Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SV)

Udupi, Dec 9: With the Malpe-Padukere bridge nearing completion, a long-cherished dream of the people of the area is finally being realized.

The work on the bridge from Malpe to Padukere is in its final stages and very soon, it will be ready for inauguration.

The people of Maple and Padukere have been demanding for a bridge since the time of Independence, but no government or politician had taken their appeal seriously. The present government however responded and the work on its construction has been in progress.

The previous state government had promised to provide Rs 13 crore for the construction of the bridge, and had also created the blueprint, but it failed to release the funds. The present government showed interest in the project and the work started at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore.

The design was completely changed from the previous one. The bridge is 13.50 ft high, leaving enough space for boats to pass under the bridge. There is also a proposal to construct roads in Shantinagar and Ayyappanagar at Rs 50 lac each. Another Rs 10 crore has been released by the fisheries department for the construction of a jetty at Padukere. The total estimated cost of the entire development plan for the area is Rs 28 crore, and is expected to complete within 45 days.