Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges (RuB), considered one of the most crucial entry points to Mangaluru city, will be formally inaugurated on January 25, according to MLC Ivan D’Souza. The inauguration will be carried out by district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and urban development minister Byrathi Suresh.

Speaking to the media after conducting a detailed inspection of the project on Tuesday, D’Souza said the project has reached its final stages and is ready to be dedicated to the public. He noted that a two-lane stretch of the proposed four-lane road has already been opened for public use, while the remaining portion is expected to be completed within the next few days.

Key entry point to the city

The Mahakalipadpu RuB plays a vital role in connecting Mangaluru city with Jappinamogaru on National Highway-66. At present, vehicular movement is permitted from both sides, easing traffic flow and reducing congestion that had plagued the area for years due to the railway crossing.

“The underbridge will serve as a key gateway to Mangaluru, especially for vehicles coming from Kerala, Ullal and other southern regions. This project has immense significance in terms of traffic management and urban mobility,” D’Souza said.

He added that the project was executed jointly by the Mangaluru City Corporation and Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) as part of the Smart City initiative. Once fully operational, the four-lane road is expected to significantly improve traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters entering the city.

Smart City funding and long-term vision

Highlighting the origins of the project, D’Souza recalled that former district minister and urban development minister UT Khader had allocated ₹50 crore for the Mahakalipadpu RuB under the Smart City programme. He said the project was envisioned nearly five years ago as a long-term solution to the persistent traffic bottleneck at the railway crossing.

“Speaker UT Khader had the foresight to visualise this project several years ago. Seeing it implemented today and ready for public use is a matter of great joy,” D’Souza remarked. He described the underbridge as one of the most important infrastructure projects undertaken in the southern part of the city in recent years.

Persistent follow-up ensured completion

The MLC said that the project’s timely completion was possible due to continuous monitoring and pressure on officials and contractors. “I have personally visited the site at least five times in the last two months to ensure the work progressed without delay. Regular follow-ups were necessary to expedite the remaining works,” he said.

According to D’Souza, such close supervision helped resolve on-ground issues and ensured coordination between various agencies involved in the construction. He expressed satisfaction that the project is now ready to be dedicated to the public after years of planning and execution.

Measures planned to prevent waterlogging

One of the major concerns surrounding the Mahakalipadpu RuB has been its location in a low-lying area, making it vulnerable to waterlogging during the monsoon season. Addressing this issue, D’Souza said that MSCL has assured that adequate preventive measures will be put in place to avoid flooding.

“Since the underbridge is situated in a low-lying zone, special attention is being given to drainage and water management. MSCL will implement necessary measures to ensure that the road remains usable even during heavy rains,” he said.

Officials have indicated that improved drainage lines, regular maintenance and monitoring during the monsoon will form part of the strategy to prevent water accumulation under the bridge.

Review meeting with MSCL officials

During his inspection, the MLC also held discussions with MSCL General Manager (Technical) Arun Prabha KS and other officials associated with the project. He instructed them to ensure that all remaining works, including finishing touches and safety-related installations, are completed well before January 25.

“The inauguration date has been fixed, and there should be no compromise on quality or safety. All pending works must be completed on priority,” D’Souza stressed.

Boost to urban infrastructure

Civic experts and local residents believe that the Mahakalipadpu RuB will significantly enhance Mangaluru’s urban infrastructure and ease traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest entry points. For years, commuters faced long delays due to the railway crossing, especially during peak hours.

With the inauguration of the underbridge, smoother and uninterrupted traffic flow is expected, benefiting daily commuters, long-distance travellers and commercial transport vehicles alike.

Conclusion

The formal inauguration of the Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges on January 25 marks a major milestone in Mangaluru’s urban development journey. With Smart City funding, sustained political follow-up and coordinated execution, the project is set to transform a key gateway into the city. Once fully operational, the four-lane RuB is expected to provide long-term relief from traffic congestion and improve connectivity with Kerala and other southern regions.