Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Oct 29: A large protest led by Amruth Shenoy erupted near the Indrali railway bridge construction site on Tuesday, October 29, demanding the bridge’s completion by January 30, 2025.
Like-minded organisations, political leaders, community members, and local citizens stood united to voice their frustrations over persistent delays and deteriorating infrastructure, calling for accountability from elected officials.
Amruth Shenoy highlighted the urgency, stating, “Construction has been active for just 10 days, but our committee demands a three-month deadline. We will protest until the bridge opens for traffic. We pay taxes, and our leaders must ensure those funds are used effectively. Without public outcry, authorities delay action. If the bridge isn’t operational by January 29, we will escalate our protest on January 30.”
Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president of the Udupi district Congress, expressed his discontent: “It’s disheartening to see a bridge take six years to build. This highway connects vital areas like Malpe and Manipal, and such delays reflect poorly on our leaders. Promises of completion often resurface around election time, yet work halts thereafter. We’re using protest to make our voices heard.”
Ramesh Kanchan, president of Udupi Block Congress, criticised the local authorities: “It’s shameful that despite all major parties being under BJP, a simple bridge takes so long. If politics continues to stall progress, we might block roads in protest. I fully support this committee and their actions.”
Prasad Raj Kanchan addressed systemic issues, warning, “If we don’t protest, this issue will linger for generations. We’re giving a three-month deadline, and if it’s not resolved by then, we will stage a fierce protest.”
Dr P V Bhandary pointed out the inadequate infrastructure, stating, “In Udupi, only one road is properly maintained. Toll fees feel like systematic robbery while service roads are neglected. Political affiliations shouldn’t matter when fighting for our rights. If elected leaders are sincere, they should ensure the bridge is completed by January 15, 2025.”
Kishan Hegde Kolkebail questioned the leadership's effectiveness: “If they can’t complete a single bridge, how can they build a nation? We recognise our mistakes and are ready to protest against these unresponsive officials.”
The protest culminated in a symbolic blockade near the construction site, drawing participation from various local leaders and organisations.
Among those present were Jyothi Hebbar, Veronica Cornelio, Geetha Wagle, Anitha D'Souza, Dr. Sunitha Shetty, Charles Amber, Irin Andrade, Prashanth Jathanna, Athletic Association representative Hariprasad Rai, Latha Anand Sherigar, Annapa Shenoy, Praveen Shetty, Anser Ahmmad, Kushal Shetty, Chandra Mohan, Kokkarne Surendra Shetty, Ravindra Kamath, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike president Sujay Poojary, Suresh Shetty Bananje, Janaki Krishna Nayak, Sarva Dharma Committee representative Ramesh Thingalaya, Ramappa Salian, Sudarshan Suvarna, Mahabal Kundar, Manava Banduthva representative B Shridhar, Keerthi Shetty Ambalpady, Udupi District Youth Congress representative Sajjan Shetty, Yasin Malpe, Chandrika Shetty, Padmanaba Malpe, Ram Mohan, Roshan Shetty, Reshma Sayyad, Advocate Bharath, Prashanth Poojary, Ganesh Raj Saralabettu, along with students from Indrali English Medium School and Upendra Pai Memorial College, and many others.