Mangaluru: The long-awaited Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges (RUBs) are ready and will be opened to the public shortly after January 18, Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV said on Wednesday. Addressing reporters, he stated that the infrastructure is complete and will play a crucial role in easing traffic congestion, especially ahead of major road development works planned in the city.

The deputy commissioner said the public works department (PWD) is preparing to undertake road development work on the Pumpwell–Karavali Junction bypass road at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore. However, the execution of this project has been delayed due to the ongoing Karavali Utsava events, which have led to increased tourist inflow and vehicular movement across key roads.

Delay due to Karavali Utsava

The Karavali Utsava, a major cultural festival celebrating the coastal region’s heritage and traditions, has significantly increased traffic in the city. Considering the large number of visitors and related events, authorities decided to defer roadworks to avoid inconvenience to the public.

The DC said the first phase of the Karavali Utsava will conclude after January 18, following which a suitable date for opening the Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges will be finalised. The decision will be taken by district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao in consultation with local elected representatives and officials.

He also indicated that the minister is scheduled to be in the city for Republic Day programmes on January 26, and the inauguration of the railway underbridges may be organised on the same day, subject to administrative arrangements.

Trial runs completed on the underbridges

Officials have already conducted trial traffic runs through the Mahakalipadpu RUBs to assess traffic flow and safety. According to the DC, the trial runs were successful and demonstrated the effectiveness of the underbridges in managing traffic movement.

However, he noted that a few minor works remained, which led to a brief delay in opening the road to the public. These included finishing touches and safety-related measures that were necessary before allowing regular vehicular traffic.

Given the need to begin work on the Pumpwell–Karavali Junction stretch, opening the Mahakalipadpu route has become imperative. Once operational, the underbridges are expected to serve as an important alternative route and help reduce congestion at existing level crossings.

Pumpwell–Karavali Junction road project

The proposed ₹20-crore road development project on the Pumpwell–Karavali Junction bypass aims to improve road quality, streamline traffic movement and address long-standing congestion issues. Pumpwell is one of the busiest traffic junctions, and delays in infrastructure upgrades have been a persistent concern for daily commuters.

Officials believe that opening the Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges before commencing major roadworks will help divert traffic efficiently and minimise disruption during construction. The PWD is expected to implement the project in phases to ensure smoother traffic management.

Street dog rehabilitation initiatives

The DC also spoke about steps being taken to address the issue of street dogs in the district, in line with Supreme Court directives. He said sites are being identified to establish street dog rehabilitation shelters across the district.

A site has already been designated in Bondanthila village, and a funding proposal has been submitted to the state government. The administration plans to establish at least one street dog rehabilitation centre in each taluk, depending on land availability and financial support.

Within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits alone, nearly 60,000 street dogs have been identified. The DC acknowledged that it is not possible to rehabilitate all of them at once and said the process would be carried out in phases.

Focus on sterilisation and partnerships

To control the street dog population, authorities are prioritising the sterilisation of female dogs, which is considered an effective long-term measure. Currently, there is only one animal birth control (ABC) centre operating in the city.

To strengthen these efforts, plans are in place to establish additional ABC centres through private partnerships. At least one ABC centre for every two taluks will be set up, which is expected to significantly improve the pace of sterilisation and animal welfare initiatives.

Conclusion

With the Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges ready for inauguration and key road development projects lined up, the administration is aiming to balance infrastructure expansion with public convenience. Alongside transport improvements, measures to address street dog rehabilitation highlight a broader focus on civic and social responsibilities in the district.