Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jun 23: MP Nalin Kumar Kateel along with Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty paid a visit to the construction work of Gurpur Bridge across Phalguni River here on Saturday, June 22.
The cost of the entire project is estimated to be Rs 39.42 crore for the length of 175 meters. The work of the project commenced in the month of February this year.
There are seven columns of 25 meter length in the bridge. The width of the bridge is 16 meters. This will have road of 11 meter width and walkway of 2.50 meter each on both sides.
Gurpur Bridge was a long-pending demand of the public, as the old bridge was under pathetic condition and was also known for traffic congestion.
Speaking to media MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "The construction of Kulshekar-Karkala four-lane road was very much needed as this is one of the busy roads that connect some tourist and pilgrimage places. The problem was that the Gurpur Bridge was very old and difficult to travel due to its pathetic condition.”
“When Moolarapatna Bridge collapsed, people had suspicion over the fitness of Gurpur Bridge. So, we invited officials from Bengaluru to conduct fitness test of the bridge and the report said that it was usable for next 10 years. In spite of this report, we pressurized the government. Minister Nithin Gadkari showed special interest and released Rs 39.42 crore fopr the Gurpur Bridge, and with the help of state government, tender was called. Tender was taken up by Mugrody Construction run by Sudhakar Shetty,” said Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Nalin Kumar further said," The length of the bridge is 175 meters. Work began here in the month of February this year. As per the agreement, two years duration is given for the completion that is February 2021. But looking at the progress of the work, the bridge will be completed and Inaugurated by February end of 2020,”
“Government has given go ahead for construction of Mangaluru Bypass Road. This road will connect Talapady from Mulky via Kinnigoli, Kateel, Bajpe, Gurpur Kaikamba, Polali, B C Road, Melkar, Mudipu and Konaje. This bypass will be constructed under the ‘Bharat Mala’ scheme. The present Gurpur Bridge will become the bypass road for Gurpur, it will connect Mangaluru Kulshekar national highway through Addoor. A flyover will be built in Addoor and it will become a prominent junction,” added MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bharath Shetty, MLA, Mangaluru North said, “Moolarapatna road belongs to PWD. I and Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik are pressurizing the government for building a bridge there. The tender process will be complete by the end of monsoon and the new bridge will be operational next year.”