Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Jul 31: Gangolli is just a rivulet away from the town of Kundapur. At the most at a distance of just one km. However, now it takes 15 kilometres to reach Gangolli from Kundapur as there is no bridge on the rivulet between Kundapur and Gangolli.

Though the dream of a bridge between Gangolli and Kundapur got a push two years ago, the work did not go further. It is not difficult to attract the attention of the government to build a bridge between Kundapur and Gangolli, if a strong protest is staged by the public. If there is united fight for the bridge, definitely the bridge will be constructed by the government. But it is said that the protest that started in 2016, did not grow in the intended manner.

Gangolli is also growing as a fishing center. If both the towns become closer through the bridge, it will benefit the fishing industry also. In addition, the Gangolli town market will also get developed. Gangolli is one of the important towns of Udupi district. This town has given a life to scores of people due to the fishing industry. Gangolli will further develop if the bridge is built across the rivulet. It will help further development of Kundapur also.

If one has to reach Gangolli now from Kundapur, he or she has to go via Tallu, Hemmady and Trasi, a distance of more or less 15 kilometres. The same distance will get reduced on just one km if the bridge is built. As the ring road is built in Kundapur now, the plan of bridge has got more importance.

There are numerous benefits if the bridge is built across the rivulet that flows between Kundapur and Gangolli. Both towns, which are at a stone's throw of each other can be accessed within no time. This will reduce the vehicle congestion on the highway also. Many vehicles ply between Kundapur and Gangolli. Fish transportation is one of the important commercial activity that takes place between the two towns. The building of bridge will not only make it faster but also reduce the traffic congestion on the highway. The building of bridge will also help people shunting across the two towns for work and for students who attend schools and colleges.

Many years ago, the idea of a bridge across the rivulet had taken shape in the minds of the people. But Kodi bridge had taken prominence over Gangolli bridge. Now Kodi bridge is built. So the demand for Kundapur-Gangolli bridge has taken pace now.

Most of the necessary bridges are already built under the limits of Kundapur taluk. The work of some of the much-needed bridges is in progress. In this midst of these works, if a bridge is built between Kundapur and Gangolli it would be very beneficial to people living and doing business in both the towns.