Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jun 6: “The decision to ban vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Kuloor old bridge all of a sudden without preparations or alternative arrangements even though the report that the bridge was unsuitable for traffic was received a year ago is condemnable. There will be terrible congestion and travel between Mangaluru, Suratkal and Udupi on the highway will be affected by two way traffic on the only alternate narrow bridge,” stated Muneer Katipalla, convener of Tollgate Virodhi Horata Samithi, Suratkal, in a press statement.

“The highway authority had directed the district administration last year to ban traffic on the bridge as it had become feeble. The Tollgate Virodhi Horata Samithi had opposed closing of the bridge without alternative arrangements. It had also campaigned for construction of new bridge and demanded completion of the work within a year. The highway authority and district administration postponed the proposal to close the bridge by a year. They did not undertake even preliminary work for new bridge and passed time. They have now decided to close the bridge without even preparing the blueprint for new bridge. People in this part will have to face torture for the next one decade if they do not question the irresponsible behaviour of highway authority and district administration. The chaos will have an adverse effect on trade, business, jobs and educational sectors and people will have to regret,” the statement continues.

“The highway authority staying aloof without verifying the strength of the bridge that connects commercial centres like Mumbai, Cochin and Bengaluru highlights the lapses in its functions. The failure to prepare for new construction of bridge at least after receiving the report cannot be condoned. Remaining quiet despite several campaigns and now preparing to ban traffic cannot be agreed for any reasons. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel is directly responsible along with highway authority and district administration for all these problems. Local organizations have been raising their voices regarding Pumpwell and Thokkottu flyovers, urging to close illegal tollgate in Suratkal and construct new bridge in Kuloor but the concerned officials instead of liaising with central transport departments and solving the problems, have been misleading the people by exciting speeches and false promises. The unsuitable actions by the MP and highway problems have thrown the lives of people in shambles.” says the statement. 

“It is not possible to agree for ban on traffic on old bridge without the construction of new bridge. The highway authority and the state government should build the new bridge within a time frame. The old bridge should be made suitable for traffic till then with modern technology and temporary repairs. If the old bridge is closed before that causing commotion, Tollgate Virodhi Horata Samithi together with people will be resorting to mass protests,” stated Muneer Katipalla warning highway authority and district administration.