Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 3: Two bridges constructed across the Phalguni river in Dakshina Kannada district have become dilapidated, and the Public Works Department has sanctioned Rs 73 crore for their reconstruction.

The old Maravoor bridge on the Mangaluru–Atradi state highway and the old Polali bridge on the B C Road–Bajpe state highway had deteriorated. The department has sanctioned Rs 40 crore for the Maravoor bridge and Rs 33 crore for the Polali bridge, executive engineer Raghavendra informed the media.

Tenders for the works are yet to be called. By the time the tender process is completed, the monsoon season will begin, and the works can be started only after the monsoon ends, he said.

A bridge across the Phalguni river at Polali was constructed in 1970. As the bridge had weakened, restrictions were imposed on the movement of heavy vehicles from August 16, 2024. Subsequently, strengthening work of the bridge at a cost of Rs 6.10 crore was taken up in January 2025. After completion of the work, vehicular movement returned to normal. However, due to constant traffic congestion on this route and frequent movement of heavy vehicles, there has been a demand for construction of a new bridge at Polali.

At Maravoor, a bridge across the Phalguni river was constructed in 1968. This bridge, which provides connectivity from the city to Mangaluru International Airport at Bajpe and to Kateel, developed cracks on June 15, 2021. While the construction of a new bridge nearby was in progress, one pillar of the old bridge had sunk by about 2.5 feet. Vehicular movement over the bridge was then restricted, forcing commuters from Bajpe and Kateel to reach the city via the Jokatte route.

The sunken bridge was later lifted using a 1,000-ton hydraulic jack and repaired. After completion of the repair works, vehicular movement resumed from July 30, 2021.

After the completion of the new bridge at Maravoor, cracks again appeared on the old bridge and vehicular movement has been restricted. Although the airport connectivity road has been made four-lane, vehicles are allowed to move only in two lanes on the Maravoor bridge, and traffic congestion is frequent on this stretch.

Since the old bridge has completely deteriorated, a new bridge will have to be constructed there. As an alternative bridge is available, there will be no major issues during the construction period. However, it may take at least one-and-a-half years to complete the new bridge works, a PWD engineer said.

Meanwhile, according to official data on bridge strengthening works, a total of 9 bridges in Mangaluru taluk have been allocated Rs 4.52 crore, 3 bridges in Beltangady taluk have been allocated Rs 1.13 crore, 8 bridges in Kadaba taluk have been allocated Rs 3.5 crore, and 5 bridges in Sullia taluk have been allocated Rs 2.5 crore as part of bridge strengthening assistance.