Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Darshan H V on Wednesday carried out an on-site inspection of the collapsed footbridge across the backwaters of the Nethravathi River at Jeppinamogaru, Ullal Hoige. Travelling by boat along with officials of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), the DC assessed the condition of the long-abandoned structure, which has remained unusable for the past four years.
Long-pending issue for riverside residents
The footbridge, constructed many years ago along the Netravathi riverbank in Ward 54 of the MCC limits, was originally built to provide a safe and convenient pedestrian route for residents living along the backwaters. For more than 300 families residing in Jeppinamogaru, the bridge served as a crucial link to access the mainland and essential services in the city.
However, the structure collapsed four years ago due to prolonged wear, lack of maintenance and damage caused by tidal activity. Since then, pedestrians—especially schoolchildren, senior citizens and daily wage earners—have been severely inconvenienced. What was once a simple five-minute walk turned into a much longer detour by road, increasing travel time and costs.
Local residents have repeatedly voiced their concerns to civic authorities, emphasising that the absence of the bridge has impacted their access to transportation, markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Several petitions, social media appeals and ward-level representations were submitted over the years, urging the MCC to either repair or reconstruct the bridge.
Inspection carried out via boat
Responding to these long-standing demands, DC Darshan H V, accompanied by MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik and officials from the engineering division, visited the site on Wednesday morning. The team travelled by boat due to the footbridge’s inaccessibility and inspected the collapsed structure from multiple vantage points.
The officials examined the remains of the concrete pillars, the alignment of the old structure, and the erosion patterns along the riverbank. Engineers briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the original construction specifications, the extent of damage, and potential challenges in rebuilding a bridge in the same location.
Residents gathered along the riverbank during the inspection and explained the day-to-day difficulties they face. Many highlighted that monsoon seasons are particularly difficult, as the lack of a bridge often isolates parts of the locality when water levels rise.
Technical review to determine feasibility
After the inspection, DC Darshan stated that a technical evaluation would be commissioned to understand whether repairing the existing structure is feasible or if a completely new bridge must be constructed. The assessment will consider structural safety, riverbed conditions, cost implications, and the long-term sustainability of the project.
He added that a decision will be taken shortly based on the findings of the engineering report and discussions with the MCC. The administration also plans to explore funding options, including state grants and MCC allocations, to ensure the project does not face delays once finalised.
Officials emphasised that any new construction must follow updated safety standards, particularly due to fluctuating water levels in the Netravathi backwaters. The DC also stated that improving connectivity for marginalised communities is a priority for the district administration.
Residents hopeful for a permanent solution
Residents of Jeppinamogaru expressed cautious optimism following the visit. Many noted that this is the first high-level inspection conducted since the collapse and hope that the administration will now expedite the project. They pointed out that the area has seen steady population growth over the years, increasing the need for reliable infrastructure.
Local representatives assured the community that they will continue to follow up with MCC officials to ensure the matter remains a priority.
Conclusion
The DC’s inspection marks a significant step forward in addressing a civic issue that has persisted for years. Once the technical review is completed, the district administration is expected to decide the future course of action. For the hundreds of families living along the Netravathi backwaters, the reconstruction of the footbridge would restore a vital lifeline to the city and improve their day-to-day mobility.