Mangaluru: With the construction of the railway underbridges (RUB) at Mahakalipadpu nearing completion, Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) is considering opening at least one-way traffic on a section of the four-lane road leading into the city, a move expected to provide long-awaited relief to hundreds of daily commuters.

The road, which has remained closed for over four years due to the RUB construction work, is a crucial entry point for vehicles coming from Ullal, Mudipu and Kerala directions. Its partial reopening is expected to significantly reduce the chronic traffic congestion on the heavily burdened Pumpwell road stretch, which has been serving as the sole access route into the city from these directions during the closure.

Partial opening under consideration

According to MSCL general manager (technical) Arun Prabha KS, the work on one stretch of the Mahakalipadpu road has been completed, making it technically feasible to allow vehicular movement. However, he said the final decision on opening the road will be taken after consultations with the police department to ensure traffic safety and smooth regulation.

He explained that MSCL plans to open two lanes on one side of the road and one lane on the other stretch to facilitate traffic movement between Jappinamogaru and the city. Work on a small portion of around 20 metres on one side of the road is still pending, but it is not expected to delay the opening significantly.

“The road can be opened at any time as the major work has been completed. Within a day or two, vehicular movement is likely to be allowed, subject to police approval,” Arun Prabha KS said.

Long wait for commuters

The reopening of the Mahakalipadpu road is expected to bring major relief to daily commuters who have been facing inconvenience ever since the stretch between Jeppu and Jappinamogaru was closed for RUB construction. For over four years, vehicles from Ullal, Mudipu and Kerala have been forced to enter the city only via the Pumpwell–Karavali Junction road.

This diversion has resulted in frequent traffic jams, increased travel time and additional fuel consumption. The condition of the Pumpwell road has also deteriorated over time due to heavy vehicular load, with potholes and damaged surfaces adding to commuter woes.

Transport operators, private commuters and residents of surrounding areas have repeatedly highlighted the urgency of reopening the Mahakalipadpu stretch, describing it as a lifeline road for the southern and south-western parts of the city.

Protests and public pressure

The prolonged delay in completing the RUB project had triggered a series of protests by various political parties, trade unions and local organisations. Demonstrations were held on multiple occasions demanding that authorities expedite the work and reopen the road at the earliest.

Protesters argued that the closure had not only disrupted daily travel but also affected businesses, emergency services and economic activity in the region. They had urged the authorities to ensure better coordination between agencies involved in the project to avoid such prolonged disruptions in the future.

Details of the RUB project

The four-lane twin RUB project at Mahakalipadpu was initiated on March 29, 2021, at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore. The project was taken up to eliminate railway level crossings, improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow along one of the city’s key entry routes.

However, the execution of the project faced multiple delays due to technical challenges, coordination issues and other constraints, resulting in the road remaining closed far longer than initially anticipated.

With the RUB work now nearing completion, authorities believe that opening the road, even partially, will help normalise traffic patterns and distribute vehicle load more evenly across the city’s road network.

Pumpwell road repairs planned

Once traffic is restored via Mahakalipadpu, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) plans to take up development and repair works on the Pumpwell–Karavali Junction road. Officials said the road, which is currently in poor condition due to heavy usage and potholes, requires urgent attention.

The reopening of the Mahakalipadpu road will allow MCC to carry out these works without severely disrupting traffic, as vehicles will have an alternative route to enter the city.

Conclusion

The proposed partial opening of the Mahakalipadpu RUB road marks a significant step towards easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity for commuters entering the city from Ullal, Mudipu and Kerala. After years of inconvenience, the move is expected to bring much-needed relief and restore balance to the city’s traffic flow. A final decision is awaited following consultations with the police, but authorities have indicated that the opening is imminent.