Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Oct 25: Like-minded associations will stage protest over delay in Indrali Railway Bridge construction, under the leadership of activist Amruth Shenoy at Railway Bridge on October 29.
Amruth Shenoy, activist, addressing media in the press meet held at Diana restaurant on Friday, October 25, said, "Udupi is growing day by day, with many tourists coming to the city. However, the railway bridge in Indrali has been left unattended, causing frequent accidents and major traffic problems. We have submitted several appeals, and authorities kept promising the construction of the bridge. MP Kota Srinivas said that the bridge will be free for vehicle traffic from January 15, 2025, but we don't believe this. Therefore, we will stage a fierce protest on October 29. If no action is taken, we will give the government a deadline of three months and, after January 30, we will escalate our protest with a nonviolent siege of the MP's residence until the bridge is opened for vehicle traffic.”
Charles Ambler highlighted the struggles faced by ambulances navigating the congested route and said “The bridge’s poor condition is not just a traffic concern; it also affects emergency services. The road connects Manipal Hospital, and ambulances often face delays due to heavy traffic. Just today, I saw an ambulance struggling to pass through," he said.
Abdul Aziz, representing the Muslim Okkoota, noted the significance of the route, and said, “The road connects Udupi and Manipal, and many people travel through this area daily. It is shameful that the bridge has not been constructed until now.”
Ramesh Kanchan, said, “Many protests have been staged over this issue, and several accidents have occurred, yet no solution has been provided. We hope this protest will finally bring justice. Politicians like MP Kota Srinivas Poojary and MLA Yashpal Suvarna have promised to resolve the issue, but so far, they have only misled the people.”
The poster of the protest was released in the press meet.
Leaders Jyothi Hebbar, Ansar Ahemmad, B Kushal Shetty, Ramesh Kanchan, Chandra Mohan, Suresh Shetty Bannaje, Janaki Krishna Naik, Ramesh Thingalaya, Ramappa Salian, Ganesh Nergi, Mahabala Kundar, B Shridhar, Keerthi Shetty Ambalpady, Sajjan Shetty, and others were present in the press meet.