Mangalore: Mahakalipadpu Crossing - Awaiting Catastrophe to Ring the Bell?

Pics: Sphoorti Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 17: The railway crossing at Mahakalipadpu on the by pass road leading to national highway 17, remains busy as people take this route to reach the city by taking diversion from the national highway. However, the railway crossing on the road remains closed for long, creating problems for the people who are in a hurry.

It has been a long-pending demand for building an over bridge at the spot, and only assurances have come as a result, so far. The gate at the crossing, which was closed at around 4 am today, remained closed for long hours, as the gate could not be opened because of some technical problems. The railway men were seen trying to open the gate, but their repeated efforts bore no fruits.

When the gate is closed, two-wheeler riders normally try to cross to the other side by using a small way. These vehicles have to be physically lifted to cross the high railway tracks. This habit can cause accidents and claim lives, if a train arrives all of a sudden, and the two-wheelers get stuck at the tracks, and riders fail to lift their vehicles in time to pave way for the passage of trains.

The railway officials need to hasten construction of an over bridge at the spot. Till then, they have to ensure that the gates remain functional, and no one is allowed to cross the tracks when the gates are closed.