Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapura (RD/SB)

Kundapur, Jul 20: The works on bridge linking Gulvady – Balkoor in the taluk is complete and its inauguration will make the bridge the most modern bridge in the coastal district.

The bridge with a length of 275 metres and width of 14.5 feet has been built across Varahi river. It has been opened to traffic ahead of inaugural and thus realized a long-pending demand of residents of Gulvady and Balkoor villages by early completion of linking bridge.

The need for a bridge was a necessity since a large number of labourers working in tile factories in Gulvady village and students were dependent on ferry boats to cross the river. A major tragedy occurred about 15 years ago, when a ferry boat capsized in the river and 11 students drowned. Since then, the demand for building a bridge was intensified by the local residents.

The bridge is built by Karnataka Irrigation Board at a cost of Rs 50 crore. It has automated vertical gates to release excess water and comprises 28 gates that can be opened simultaneously. The gates can be easily opened manually, in case of power failure. It has a dual mechanism to work as barricade to hold saline water and motoring on its surface.