Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Mar 28: Even as people were heaving a sigh of relief that the new Netravati bridge work would solve the problem of traffic congestion on Thokkottu-Pumpwell route, the contractors took up repairs of the old bridge once again, with the result that it caused heavy gridlock that last the whole day long on Saturday March 28.

The repairs on the old Netravati bridge started a few days ago. Along with that, work on half-a- kilometer stretch of Jeppinamogaru and Kallapu road is also on progress adjacent to the bridge. Two way traffic is made available on the Netravathi bridge due to the works.

However, as two-wheelers and smaller vehicles were plying impatiently on the bridge, there was disruption in the smooth flow of traffic. Being Saturday, buses were crowded with students and office-goers in the afternoon. The congestion meant that they had to remain in the buses for hours together in the heat.

There were long lines of vehicles in Thokkottu heading to Ambika Road, Jeppinamogaru and Morgan's Gate. Though Mangaluru rural police on one side and Ullal police on the other struggled to regulate the traffic, it was not possible till the evening due to large number of
vehicles. Those going to railway station and airport spent anxious moments.