Pics: Jeevan D'Costa

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 25: The Indrali vehicular bridge, intended to ease traffic between Udupi and Manipal while connecting to Konkan railway station, remains unfinished after seven years of promises and delays. Despite the arrival of bridge girders in December 2023, which now sit rusting by the roadside, construction has yet to commence, causing significant problems for students.

It has been more than six months since the girders arrived, but construction work has not begun. During the monsoon, students face hardship crossing the busy road, especially during the rain.

During peak hours, heavy vehicle traffic is seen on the bridge. The lack of a proper footpath and bus stop forces students and other passengers to wait on the road during rain. The service road, made of red soil for the convenience of students, has turned sludgy due to rain, making the road slippery.

MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, during his visit to the Indrali vehicular bridge in June, assured that the construction of the bridge would begin and finish within two months. However, no significant progress has been made, leaving students and motorists frustrated and stranded.

The pleas of students and teachers for a safe passage have fallen on deaf ears, compounded by chaotic scenes at the junction where private buses exacerbate traffic congestion. The ongoing delay in completing the bridge continues to disrupt daily life for residents and commuters alike.

Rathnakar, a parent, expressed concern over the plight of students at the school over the past five years due to the uneven road structure. "The service road resembles a Kambala field. Many elected representatives made promises during their visits, but no improvements have been made to ensure safe road conditions. Students struggle to cross the road amidst traffic flowing in both directions, often relying on teachers and staff for assistance. Despite reporting these issues to responsible authorities, our concerns are neglected."

Vidyadhar, a physical education teacher, said, “As a physical education teacher, I come early to help students cross the road. Some students try to cross the road without supervision, leading to minor accidents. The red soil road has become slippery, so we request to add gravel. Traffic police come occasionally. The rainwater from the road is flowing to the school ground.”

Tanmaya, a student, emphasized the severe problems caused by the muddy roads and said, “We are facing severe problems because of the mud-filled roads. Many accidents take place here, which is really concerning for everyone. It is necessary to have a neatly constructed road near schools. I request that the bridge be completed as soon as possible to prevent accidents.”

Shivani, another student, highlighted the challenges faced by them and said, “The lack of proper footpaths is causing problems for pedestrians. Vehicle traffic is very heavy and there is no traffic police. Also, there is no proper bus stop for passengers, forcing us to wait on the road during rainstorms.”