Triumphant Completion of Concrete Boxes: A Victory Amidst Unfinished Mahakalipadpu Twin RuB Challenges
Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has yet to commence work on the approach roads for the twin Railway Under Bridge (RuB) on Morgan’s Gate-Jeppinamogaru Road, exacerbating delays in completing this vital infrastructure as of June 1, 2025. MSCL had initially promised to finish the approach roads by the end of May, which would have marked the end of a prolonged detour for thousands of Mangaluru commuters.
The Southern Railway’s Palakkad division successfully completed the installation of the last four concrete boxes for the twin RuB on April 17, followed by the removal of the final girder beneath the Mangaluru Central-Shoranur Down line on April 23. However, MSCL has managed to finish only a portion of the approach road on the Jeppinamogaru side; work on the Morgan’s Gate side has not yet begun. Compounding these delays, the onset of monsoon rains has further stalled progress.
A senior MSCL official attributed the holdup to the rains that began on May 15, affecting the project timeline. The official expressed optimism that the approach road construction would resume and be completed during a projected dry spell, extending until June 14. An essential task remains for the Railways: the installation of a drainage pipeline to divert water from the RuB to the Netravati river before work can advance on the Morgan’s Gate side. MSCL, alongside the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), is responsible for finalizing the approach roads from the existing railway level crossing to the twin RuBs, as the Railways plans to close the level crossing once the RuBs are operational.
Deputy Commissioner K. Anandh stated he would instruct MSCL to expedite the work on the approach roads, underscoring the urgency of the project. The Railways has already fulfilled its critical obligations, according to Divisional Railway Manager Arun Kumar Chaturvedi, who confirmed that all necessary works, including the installation of the concrete boxes, have been completed. Chaturvedi noted that laying the drainage line to the Netravati river could be accomplished quickly once the MCC relocates a water pipeline from the area, requiring only a day’s effort.
Despite these setbacks, the anticipation surrounding the commissioning of the twin RuB remains high, particularly for commuters who have been forced to reroute through Pumpwell Circle for over four years. The challenge now lies in avoiding further delays and ensuring that work resumes promptly. As MSCL navigates the impact of monsoon weather, there’s a critical window to complete the necessary infrastructure and improve traffic flow in the region.
The ongoing developments surrounding the twin RuB underscore the complexities of urban infrastructure projects in Mangaluru. Continued collaboration between MSCL, MCC, and Southern Railway will be essential to ensuring timely progress and the eventual commissioning of this critical urban transit link. For the residents and commuters of Mangaluru, the successful completion of the approach roads could yet herald a much-awaited relief from the traffic bottlenecks that have long plagued the area.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/concrete-boxes-pushing-complete-yet-smart-city-fails-mangaluru-residents-as-mahakalipadpu-twin-rub-not-commissioned/article69648030.ece
Category : Mangaluru
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Publish Date: 2025-06-02 13:33:00
