Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 8: Residents of Thokkottu have petitioned MLC Ivan DSouza for the immediate construction of a flyover or underpass at the railway track connecting Thokkottu National Highway to Thokkottu Olapete, highlighting the peril pedestrians face when crossing the tracks.

Every day, thousands of people, including poor laborers, traders, pregnant women, the disabled, school students, and devotees from nearby temples and mosques, struggle to cross this critical pathway. The area is home to several significant landmarks, including the historic Ullal Sayyid Madani Dargah, St Sebastian Church, Sri Vitobha Bhajana Mandir, Ullal, Sri Chirumba Bhagavati Temple, the famous Ullal Bandikotta Uliya Malaraya Temple, St Sebastian College, Madani Junior College, the historic Urdu School, and a major commercial center.

Moreover, the area hosts the culturally and socially renowned Dr Ambedkar Rangamandira, which is known for the annual public celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Mosaru Kudike, drawing thousands who must cross the railway tracks, constantly risking their lives.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the residents have urged the authorities to take prompt action. They have also submitted a memorandum to the Senior Divisional Engineer of Southern Railway (Palakkad division), and have expressed their readiness to take legal action if the issue is not addressed.

During the petition submission, key figures from the Ullal Taluk Amateur Kabaddi Association, including general secretary Cyril Robert D'Souza, Piyush Monteiro, Alwyn D'Souza, Sajid Ullal, and Neri D'Souza, were present to support the cause.