Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 25: The protective fencing being provided to Ullal bridge on national highway 66 in the backdrop of the loss of several lives there, is going on a quick pace and it is likely to be completed in three months. Mangalore Urban Development Authority has been executing this project.
The bridge, which is 800 metres long, comprises two bridges, one to allow traffic towards Thokkottu and the other for traffic bound for the city. The fence is being provided to both these bridges. The work has now been completed to the extent of 75 per cent on one side of the bridge. The fencing is five feet high with additional barbed fencing of one foot at the top. To stop people from climbing the fence, the barbed fence is also bent towards the bridge in the shape of an arc.
The demand for the fence had been raised many times because of frequent suicides from the bridge. The demand got added support after V G Siddhartha, founder of Cafe Coffee Day, jumped into Netravati river from this bridge on July 29 last year. After the fence is completed, CCTV cameras will be installed.
The work was inaugurated by MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, on July 4. Kamath said that he expects the work to be completed within the allotted period of three months. He expressed happiness at having kept the promise of providing fencing to this bridge.