Closure of NH bridge leads to traffic chaos in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: Commuters from Ullal, Thokkotu, Konaje, Mudipu, neighbouring regions, and Kerala are experiencing difficulties travelling to Mangaluru city, as one the two bridges across the Nethravati River on NH 66 has been closed down.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken urgent maintenance work on the old bridge, which was constructed in 1958. The closure of this bridge has resulted in significant traffic congestion, stretching from Thokkottu on the southern end to Yekkur on the northern section of the highway.

NHAI authorities indicated that reinforcing the pillars of the old bridge is an urgent requirement, and the maintenance activities are expected to continue until April 30. A team of experts from MP have also joined the team working to strengthen the 804-metre-long bridge, which has 24 spans.

Due to the closure of the less than one-kilometre bridge, it takes more than half an hour for commuters to travel just seven kilometres from Thokkotu to Yekkur. City police commissioner Anupam Agrawal also requested commuters to avoid the said route during peak hours. However, traffic density has not reduced on the stretch. Commuters will have to travel 10 kilometres more on the alternative route via Harekala, Adyar, and Bajal to reach Mangaluru from Thokkotu.

A commuter said that it takes just 30-40 minutes to reach Thokkotu from Kasaragod. However, commuters are forced to sit in the bus for another 30 minutes to enter Mangaluru because of the traffic snarls at the bridge.

NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi told TOI that the bearings in three spans of the bridge need to be replaced. The bearings will be replaced by lifting the spans using hydraulic methods. The plan is to complete the work by April end.

DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that since it is essential maintenance work, the district administration and the NHAI have no other option but to temporarily close the bridge. "I will direct NHAI officials to ensure the work is completed at the earliest," he added.