Special bridge inspection vehicle to check bridges in DK

Mangaluru: Following the collapse of the Mullarapatna Bridge in Mangaluru taluk on 25th June, a special bridge inspection vehicle has arrived in the city to help conduct a survey of all bridges across the district on Thursday.

None of the bridges in Mangaluru seem to be in a good condition, since they are all close to areas where illegal sand mining is taking place. Many bridges are facing a threat of collapse. The bridges built across major rivers have borne the brunt of illegal sand mining, due to which their foundation has weakened over the years, claim the environmental activists.

Gurupura Bridge

Gurupura Bridge is one of the oldest bridges built in 1923, across the Phalguni River has become the first concern of the officials. The bridge is 17kms from the city lying on NH 169, connecting Mangaluru with Shivamogga via Moodbidri-Karkala. Motorists fear the bridge in its sorry state may collapse any moment unless it’s repaired.

The bridge is badly maintained with thick undergrowth of shrubs, and accumulation of silt at its bottom. The iron railings which used to be on the bridge have disappeared. There are potholes on the bridge. According to locals, only one bus or truck can pass over the Gurupura Bridge at a time.

Polali Bridge

The 45-year-old Polali bridge built across the Phalguni river also needs immediate attention. The locals claim that pillars of the bridge have been weakened due to rampant sand mining along the river. During summer, when the water level is low, the damage is visible.

There are about 24 bridges which are more than 60-metres-long and will be inspected in the coming days. The foundation of the bridges cannot be inspected though, due to the heavy water flow in all rivers and streams across the district, informed PWD superintendent engineer Kantharaj.