Polali Bridge closure for heavy vehicles causes inconvenience to students, daily commuters

Bantwal: The restriction on the movement of school buses and passenger buses on the vital Polali Bridge, which serves as a major route for many citizens, has caused significant inconvenience to the students and daily commuters.

Due to the deterioration of the bridge, the district administration had issued an order restricting the movement of heavy vehicles until repairs are completed.

The announcement of the Legislative Council by-elections and implementation of the election code of conduct has prevented local representatives and officials from taking immediate action to resolve the issue. It is expected that after the code of conduct ends, the MLAs from Bantwal and Mangaluru North will discuss the issue with the District Commissioner.

Temporary Bridge Proposal

Local residents have urged the authorities to construct a temporary bridge to facilitate vehicle movement until the repairs are completed. On Wednesday, Public Works Department (PWD) officials visited the site, and they are expected to prepare a plan for alternative routes.

Awaiting Report for Next Steps

“Our officials have visited Polali. The PWD team is reviewing possible alternative routes, and they will submit a report on what can be done. Due to the election, we cannot hold meetings at the moment, but once we receive the report, we will decide on the next course of action,” said Dakshina Kannada District Commissioner Mullai Mugilan.

Public Inconvenience

The restrictions on school buses and passenger buses have caused issues, especially for students. Locals are questioning why only school and passenger buses are being restricted, while other vehicles are allowed to pass. “Hieght restriction barriers have been placed on both sides of the bridge, which is not appropriate,” said Balakrishna Rao Noyi, a resident of Addur.

Venkatesh Navada Polali, President of the Polali Adduru Phalguni Bridge Horata Samiti, suggested that it is possible to construct a temporary road under the current bridge for use till May. He proposed that by laying soil and stones, and constructing a culvert in the middle, a pathway can be created allowing water to flow smoothly. This would enable the repair work to be completed within that timeframe, he opined.

Support for Public Transportation

With the suspension of heavy vehicle movement, MLA Rajesh Naik U has personally funded a tempo vehicle to transport residents between Addur and Polali, covering the driver’s and fuel costs. This has provided some relief to those affected by the closure.