Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Mar 20: The new Netravati bridge, constructed on 24 pillars along national highway 66, was thrown open to traffic here on Thursday March 20, bringing huge but temporary relief to commuters who had been facing frequent traffic jams on this route.
After puja at Jeppu Gurvana Temple on Wednesday March 19, assistant commissioner of police (ACP) of Mangalore south division Pawan Nejjoor on Thursday inaugurated the new bridge for temporary use by cutting the ribbon.
As a small portion of the work at the south end of the bridge is yet to be completed, vehicular movement will be allowed only for 20 days. With vehicles passing over the bridge during this period, the edge of the bridge would get levelled. Thereafter, the work will be completed, and the bridge will be opened to traffic once again.
The work on the new bridge started on October 26, 2010. With several problems coming in the way, the bridge that was supposed to be ready in two years' time took 3.5 years to complete. Due to technical issues with Navayug company that undertook the project and encroachment of the place, the work moved at a slow pace, said Navayug company assistant project manager Shyam Krishna.
The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 40 crore. The bridge which rests upon 24 pillars has auto latching scheme mechanism purchased from China.
"Under the supervision of project manager Sanjay Kumar Singh the work went on smoothly. From Pumpwell to Talapady work on four minor bridges along with a major bridge has been completed. The flyover connecting Pumpwell and Thokkottu will be ready in four months," said the assistant project manager.