Updated

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, May 9: Dismissing reports over the state’s only floating bridge collapsing at Malpe beach here, lease holder at Malpe beach and proprietor of Dial Mantra, Sudesh Shetty, said that the locks of the bridge of the bridge were disconnected to avoid damage.

In a statement to the media, he said, “Due to cyclone effect and heavy wind, we had disconnected the locks of the bridge so that the floating bridge does not incur any damage. Because of which some of the blocks of the bridge were floating in the sea this morning.

Sudesh Shetty

“We have understood that people have fallen for the rumour saying there were casualties. We strongly confirm that there were no casualties nor harm to anynone. Currently, the floating bridge remains closed because of the notice from the administration regarding no water sports activities,” he stated. 

Earlier report

Udupi: Floating bridge collapses at Malpe beach three days after inauguration

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)

Udupi, May 9: The floating bridge that was installed at Malpe beach and inaugurated just three days ago collapsed here.

From the afternoon of Sunday May 8, the bridge was severely damaged due to the rough sea and high waves. So public was barred from walking on it from Sunday afternoon itself.

On the morning of Monday, the bridge got washed away into the sea. Fortunately, no life was lost as people were barred from entering it.

The bridge is Karnataka's first pontoon bridge (floating bridge). It was inaugurated on May 6 by MLA Raghupati Bhat, former minister Pramod Madhwaraj and other dignitaries.

The total length of the bridge was 100 meters and is 3.5 meters wide. The facility was supposed to be kept open for 15 days on a trial basis. The total cost of the project is around Rs 75-80 lac, as informed by the authorities.