Kundapura, Karnataka – On 21 September 2024 the state cabinet gave the nod to a Rs 55 crore allocation for constructing a new bridge on the Teerthahalli–Kundapura state highway at Kundapura, responding to the deteriorating condition of the existing crossing.
The old bridge, erected in 1977 during Yadtare Manjayya Shettar's tenure as minister, spans about 300 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width. Daily traffic exceeds 20,000 vehicles, including buses, heavy trucks and school commuters from Ampar, Siddapur, Hosangadi and surrounding villages.
A 2017–18 inspection by the Public Works Department’s PRAMS unit flagged serious structural cracks, a large central cavity and exposed reinforcement bars. The report, dated 23 March 2017, recommended urgent repairs, but funding delays postponed any work.
Now, with the cabinet approval, the new bridge is slated to take roughly three years to complete. However, officials from the Public Works Department caution that the ageing bridge must be cleared before construction begins, citing safety concerns for ten‑axle heavy vehicles.
Local residents and community leaders argue that dismantling the old bridge prematurely would cripple daily commutes, disrupt school routes to Kundapura and Koteshwara institutions, and impede the flow of goods to Shivamogga, Teerthahalli and Siddapur. “We request that the existing bridge remain functional until the new one is ready,” said local activist Mumbaru Dingkar Shetty.
Mahabal Nayak, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department, confirmed that a tender for the new structure will be floated soon and that a site visit by the department head took place last week. He added that retaining the old bridge would require additional land acquisition funds, a matter that must be cleared at the state level.
Stakeholders such as Pradeep Shetty of the Bridge Action Committee emphasize that while the old bridge is indeed weakened, a complete traffic halt would cause severe inconvenience for thousands of commuters. They propose a temporary bypass or limited‑use arrangement until the new bridge becomes operational.
The decision now rests on balancing safety imperatives with the mobility needs of the coastal Karnataka populace.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi