Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 14: An underground pedestrian crossing expected since a long time is almost ready for use. About 90 percent of the work is complete.

The underground pedestrian crossing from the front side of taluk office to Gandhi Park is 30 meter long and 10 meter wide. The 26-meter long and 10 meter wide underpass from Gandhi Park to Hotel Taj Mahal is 90 percent complete. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 7 Crore.

Tiling is in progress on the stretch of Gandhi Park. Compound wall, irrigation, electricity and horticultural department works are in progress. The Smart City officials said that all works would be completed within two months.

The work on this underpass has been going on for two years. The public had widely criticized the slow pace of the project. Lockdown during Covid and monsoon season also delayed the work.

This underground pedestrian crossing will be useful to thousands of passengers who arrive in the city from the railway station. Earlier, it was really risky to cross the road at this point, especially for women, children and senior citizens.

Demand to construct either a skywalk or underground pedestrian crossing has been there since many decades. A skywalk project was formed and foundation stone also laid by the then district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai. However, the project was scrapped later citing high cost.