Mangaluru: The long-awaited Mahakalipadpu Railway Underbridge (RuB), constructed under the Mangaluru Smart City project at a cost of Rs 50 crore, was inaugurated on Sunday by Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh. The newly opened underbridge is expected to function as a crucial gateway for traffic entering the city from Kerala and other southern regions, significantly improving connectivity and easing long-standing congestion issues.
Project conceived in 2018 finally completed
The Mahakalipadpu RuB project was initiated in 2018 during the tenure of UT Khader as the Urban Development Minister. After several years of planning, construction and coordination among multiple departments, the project has now been completed and opened to the public.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Byrathi Suresh described the completion of the project as a milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. He said the underbridge would play a vital role in improving traffic flow and supporting overall urban growth in the surrounding areas.
Additional works worth Rs 7 crore executed
The minister informed that, apart from the main construction cost of Rs 50 crore, additional development works worth Rs 7 crore had been carried out at the site by the Urban Development Department. These works were aimed at strengthening the approach roads, improving drainage facilities and ensuring safer movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Officials stated that the underbridge has been designed to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and reduce delays caused by railway crossings, which had been a major concern for commuters for several years.
Assurance of funds for pending development projects
Reiterating the government’s commitment to Mangaluru’s development, Byrathi Suresh assured continued financial support for long-pending infrastructure projects. He said the Urban Development Department would continue to prioritise funding for major initiatives that contribute to urban mobility, civic amenities and economic growth.
The minister highlighted that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has already released Rs 2,400 crore in grants to 12 city corporations across Karnataka to accelerate urban development works.
Rs 200 crore allocated under Nagar Vikas Yojana
Under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana, Rs 200 crore has been specifically allocated to the Mangaluru City Corporation. According to Suresh, the funds will be utilised for key civic works such as road development, construction of underground and surface drains, and providing drinking water connections to households.
He added that these projects would significantly improve the quality of life for residents and help address long-standing infrastructure gaps in the city.
Chief Minister expected to launch upcoming projects
The Urban Development Minister said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been invited to lay the foundation stones for the upcoming development works under the Nagar Vikas Yojana. He expressed confidence that the Chief Minister would visit the city soon to formally launch the projects.
Officials noted that the proposed works would be implemented in a phased manner, with priority given to areas facing acute infrastructure challenges.
Dinesh Gundu Rao highlights government’s focus on district
District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who also addressed the gathering, remarked that although the Congress party did not receive significant electoral support in Dakshina Kannada district, the Chief Minister has visited the region frequently and inaugurated several development projects.
He said the government’s approach clearly reflected its commitment to equitable development, irrespective of electoral outcomes, and emphasised that the district would continue to receive attention in terms of infrastructure and investment.
Push to strengthen IT sector in coastal district
Several development initiatives are planned in the coming months, including efforts to strengthen the information technology sector in the coastal district. It was stated that the Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to identify suitable land for the establishment of IT parks.
Preparations are also underway for setting up data centres and launching Global Capability Centre (GCC) offices, which are expected to generate employment opportunities and attract investment to the region.
New road connectivity to benefit Ullal residents
Assembly Speaker UT Khader said the newly constructed connecting road associated with the underbridge would primarily benefit residents of Ullal. He noted that improved connectivity would reduce travel time and enhance access to key parts of the city.
Khader also recalled that the project had faced several challenges over the years and expressed satisfaction that it had finally been completed for public use.
Civic body elections within three months
Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh pointed out that six city corporations in Karnataka, including Mangaluru, currently do not have elected representatives. He said the state government was committed to restoring elected bodies and confirmed that elections for all six corporations would be conducted within the next three months.
The minister added that he had already discussed the matter with the Chief Minister and assured that the process would be completed without further delay.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Mahakalipadpu Railway Underbridge marks a significant step in addressing traffic bottlenecks and improving urban connectivity. With additional development works, fresh funding allocations and a renewed focus on infrastructure and the IT sector, the project is expected to act as a catalyst for Mangaluru’s future growth and regional integration.