Mangaluru: The Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division will install a double boom-barrier gate at the Pandeshwar level crossing in Mangaluru, paving the way for four-lane vehicular movement and helping ease traffic congestion along Mangaladevi Road.
The decision has been taken as the proposed railway overbridge at the level crossing is yet to materialise. The interim measure is expected to improve traffic flow by allowing wider vehicular movement when the railway gates are opened.
Double boom barrier work estimated at Rs 2 crore
The Railways has already invited tenders for installing the double boom-barrier gate along with the necessary civil and signalling works.
Railway officials said the tender process is expected to be completed within around a fortnight. Once the tender is finalised, the project will be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.
The installation is being treated as a priority in view of the traffic difficulties faced by motorists using the route. The upgraded arrangement is expected to provide a more efficient system for managing vehicular movement at the busy level crossing.
The double boom barrier, along with improvements to the signalling system, is expected to strengthen safety arrangements at the crossing while supporting the proposed widening of the road.
MCC plans four-lane road widening
Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey inspected the Pandeshwar level crossing on September 1 along with MCC and Railway officials.
During the inspection, the commissioner and MCC deputy commissioner (Development) Naresh P. Shenoy urged Railway officials to speed up the tender process so that the work can begin at the earliest.
MCC officials have also indicated that the Corporation will widen around 200 metres of road on either side of the level crossing to facilitate four-lane traffic.
The road widening will be undertaken once the Railways begins its work at the crossing. The coordinated approach by the civic body and Railways is expected to improve the overall movement of vehicles through the area.
The proposed widening is particularly significant as Mangaladevi Road experiences considerable traffic, with the level crossing frequently interrupting vehicular movement.
Signalling upgrade to take six months
According to Railway engineers, the installation of the double boom barrier and the associated signalling upgrades will take approximately six months after the tender is finalised.
The Railways has indicated that the works will be taken up on priority.
The upgraded signalling infrastructure will form an important part of the project, as the level crossing is used by trains travelling to and from Bunder Yard. Frequent closure of the gates to facilitate train movements has been a longstanding source of inconvenience for motorists.
With four-lane road widening planned on both sides, the double boom barrier is expected to provide an interim solution while discussions on a permanent railway overbridge continue.
Overbridge proposal remains unresolved
The proposed railway overbridge at Pandeshwar continues to remain under discussion between the Railways and the MCC.
The Railways has prepared a proposal for a two-lane overbridge, while the MCC has sought a four-lane structure, citing the volume of traffic in the area.
The difference in the proposed width has delayed progress on the overbridge proposal. The Railways has sought detailed designs and drawings from the Corporation before taking the matter forward.
The proposed four-lane overbridge is being sought as a long-term solution to the congestion and disruption caused by the level crossing. However, until a final decision is reached and construction begins, the double boom barrier and road widening are expected to provide a more immediate improvement.
Frequent gate closures affect motorists
The Pandeshwar level crossing is an important point on the road network but has frequently caused delays because the gates have to be closed when trains move to or from Bunder Yard.
During gate closures, vehicles can experience congestion on both sides of the crossing. The problem becomes more pronounced during busy periods when traffic volumes are high.
The proposed four-lane arrangement is intended to make better use of the road space available when the gates are open. Widening approximately 200 metres on either side of the crossing will complement the installation of the double boom barrier.
The initiative is therefore expected to address the immediate traffic issue while the larger question of constructing a railway overbridge remains under consideration.
Elected representatives had raised the issue
The traffic problem at Pandeshwar has also been taken up by local elected representatives.
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath and Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta have raised the issue with the State government and Railway authorities.
In March, Capt Chowta had announced that the Southern Railway had agreed to widen the level crossing to facilitate four-lane traffic and reduce congestion when the gates are open to vehicles.
The latest decision to install the double boom barrier and undertake associated works represents progress towards implementing that arrangement.
For motorists using Mangaladevi Road, the immediate focus will now be on the completion of the tender process and commencement of the railway works. Once the barrier and signalling upgrades are completed and the MCC undertakes its road widening, the crossing is expected to provide smoother four-lane vehicular movement.
In the longer term, however, the proposed overbridge remains crucial for eliminating the disruption caused by railway gate closures. A four-lane structure, if approved and constructed, could provide a permanent solution to the traffic bottleneck.