Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 5: The Pachanady railway overbridge (ROB) work that was moving at a very slow pace, has now gained some momentum. In continuation of the semi-finished work, a concrete girder has been fitted between two pillars. Work on laying a concrete layer road over the girdler has been undertaken. It is expected that the bridge will be open for traffic by the end of this year.

As part of the track doubling and electrification work from Mangaluru Junction to Panambur that has been under way for the last three years, this work has been undertaken. People have been complaining about the unending delay in executing the work. The construction of this 12 metres wide and 25 metres long bridge had started in 2018. The initial project cost was estimated to be five crore rupees but this has since gone up by a few more crores.

After the bridge construction, communication roads have to be built on both sides of the bridge. The concrete road at Pachanady in the remaining portion of Bondel-Vamanjoor road is also pending. Once this is done, people going to Pilikula, Moodbidri, Karkala, Gurpur, Polali etc will find it convenient.

Fixing of girders happens to be one of the most complicated railway works as movement of trains have to be suspended when the work is taken up. The railway commissioner has to visit and give his nod. Because of some reason, his visit was delayed.

By the side of the railway overbridge, concrete road has been built and a temporary level crossing system has been made. People have been suffering for the last three years as the gate takes about 15 to 20 minutes to open one it is closed. Long lines of vehicles therefore get formed on both sides. Emergency vehicles also get stranded. Buses were cutting their trips because of the time wasted here. Therefore the people have urged the department to hasten the work and finish it as soon as possible.