Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Sep 4: The Kandloor bridge has been confirmed to be in a dilapidated condition since 2017. However, there has been no significant action taken for repairs or replacement. The bridge, connecting the Kundapur-Ampare-Thirthahalli state highway, shows signs of deterioration, and there are increasing demands for urgent repairs. Extensive discussions about the bridge have taken place over the past decade. Finally, after an inspection by the Project and Road Asset Management Center, the bridge's deteriorated condition was confirmed. Based on this report, the Public Works Department prepared an estimate of Rs 1.32 crore and submitted it to the government.

This issue has resurfaced. In the Kundapur Taluk KDP meeting, KDP member Jyothi Puthran raised this serious concern. Jyothi Puthran and Jyothi Nayak have brought this to the attention of the Public Works Department, urging them to address the issue before an accident occurs.

Constructed in 1977 during the tenure of the then MLA Yadtare Manjayya Shetty, the bridge spans the Varahi River on the Kundapur-Ampare-Thirthahalli state highway (52). Thousands of vehicles cross this bridge daily, including heavy goods vehicles. As soon as vehicles enter the bridge, a clattering sound begins due to gaps between the beams. If this issue continues, both the bridge and the slabs may sustain damage. The 300-meter-long and 7.5-meter-wide bridge has deteriorated further since the 2017 inspection. There is also a need to reassess the bridge's quality. Concerns include the quality of the bridge's understructure, fillers, gaps between joints, and the formation of depressions on the bridge.

A large iron beam has been protruding from the bridge for several years. Some guardrails are also missing and have not been repaired. Despite a report on the bridge's quality submitted five years ago, no action has been taken. If alternative arrangements are not made and the bridge continues to deteriorate, the situation could become dire. This is reminiscent of the Barkur Brahmavar bridge, which collapsed due to neglect. The issues faced then can be recalled, and similar problems should be avoided with the Kandloor bridge.

Departments and governments responsible for road and bridge quality are failing to prioritize necessary actions, despite the potential for disaster. Given the importance of the Kandloor state highway bridge, the inaction of the authorities is both tragic and unacceptable.