Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 9: The construction of the technologically advanced bow string bridge connecting Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi across the Phalguni River, also known as the Gurpur river, is expected to be completed by September, district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the bridge construction site on Friday, the minister said the work on the bridge linking Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi is progressing rapidly and will make entry into the city easier for local residents.
At present, people in the area have to either travel by ferry or take a longer route, spending nearly half an hour to reach the city. The bridge is being constructed at a cost of Rs 64 crore under the Smart City project and is expected to benefit around 4,000 families in the Bengre area, he said.
The minister added that arrangements are being made to ensure boats can pass through without obstruction. The bridge is being designed in an attractive manner, and the process of lifting the bow string structure is scheduled for June, after which boat movement will be facilitated. The bridge is targeted for inauguration by September.
He further said the bridge is being constructed under National Waterway guidelines, ensuring that the water depth and bridge height do not interfere with any natural activities. The bridge is being designed to facilitate movement of all types of vehicles and is considered a major and significant project for Mangaluru city.
Boost to tourism
The bridge will also serve as a second connectivity road to the Blue Flag beach, thereby boosting tourism activities. Besides easing local transportation, the bridge is expected to support commercial and tourism-related activities in the region, the minister said.
Regarding monsoon preparedness and drinking water supply, the minister said necessary instructions have already been issued. Meetings have been held with officials of various departments to discuss precautionary measures to be taken in the event of floods. Authorities have been directed to remain prepared based on previous incidents of flooding, artificial flooding, and landslides.
An allocation of Rs 80 crore has been received for the construction of retaining walls, and the work is being taken up. Desilting works have also been initiated at a cost of Rs 9 crore, he added.
Chairperson of the Cashew Development Corporation Mamatha Gatti, former corporators Vinayraj, Anil Kumar and Santosh Shetty, deputy commissioner Darshan H V, Smart City Mangaluru managing director Dr Santosh Kumar, and Smart City general manager Arun Prabha were present during the inspection.
Special features of the bridge
This is the first bow string model vehicular bridge being constructed in Karnataka. The bridge will have a total length of 285 metres, featuring a 100-metre navigation span and a 10-metre vertical clearance through the installation of a bow string girder.
As per National Waterway 43 regulations, the bridge will stand 10 metres above the high tide line. Currently, in the absence of regular boat services, residents of Bengre have to travel via Kuloor, taking around 30 to 35 minutes to reach the city. With the completion of the bridge, travel time between Bengre, Tannirbhavi and Mangaluru is expected to reduce to just 8 to 10 minutes.