Mangaluru: In a major engineering milestone for coastal Karnataka, Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) is preparing to undertake the lifting of a massive 900-tonne bowstring girder for the ambitious Sulthan Bathery–Tannirbavi bridge project across the Phalguni (Gurpur) river.
The technically challenging operation involves lifting a gigantic 100-metre-long steel bowstring girder from the riverbed and positioning it precisely atop the bridge piers. Officials said the structure will be raised nearly 11 metres above the water surface before being carefully aligned and lowered into place.
The operation is considered one of the most critical phases of the bridge construction due to the enormous weight of the structure and the precision required during installation. Engineers and technical experts are closely monitoring preparations to ensure the lifting process is carried out safely and efficiently.
According to officials associated with the project, the massive jacking operation is expected to continue for nearly six days, while the entire girder placement process may take up to two weeks to complete.
Complex engineering operation underway
K Arun Prabha, General Manager (Technical) of MSCL, said extensive planning and coordination have gone into preparing for the lifting procedure.
The bowstring girder, specially fabricated for the bridge, is one of the largest structural components used in the project. Due to its size and weight, the installation requires advanced hydraulic jacking systems and precise synchronisation during lifting and positioning.
Officials stated that even minor deviations during alignment could affect the structure, making accuracy extremely important throughout the operation.
The girder has been assembled near the riverbed and will now be gradually elevated using specialised equipment before being fixed onto the designated piers. Engineers are also monitoring weather conditions and river flow to avoid complications during the installation process.
Authorities said safety measures have been intensified around the project site, and movement near the construction zone is being regulated during the critical lifting operation.
Work progressing ahead of monsoon
Officials are racing against time to complete the girder installation and remove the temporary coffer bund constructed in the river before the onset of the monsoon season.
The coffer bund was built to facilitate construction activities inside the river channel. However, authorities intend to dismantle the temporary structure before heavy rainfall begins to ensure uninterrupted movement of boats and smooth river flow during the monsoon.
Project engineers said completing the current phase before the rains is crucial to avoid delays and minimise operational challenges caused by rising water levels and strong currents.
The bridge project has witnessed steady progress in recent months after obtaining environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances earlier this year. Officials expressed confidence that the remaining works would continue according to schedule.
Bridge expected to transform connectivity
The Rs 64-crore bridge project is expected to become one of the landmark infrastructure developments in the coastal region. The bridge, including its approach roads, will stretch nearly one kilometre and feature a nine-metre-wide roadway along with dedicated pedestrian pathways.
Designed according to National Waterway-43 standards, the bridge will provide a vertical clearance of 10 metres and an 80-metre navigation span to facilitate smooth movement of river traffic beneath the structure.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Sulthan Bathery and Tannirbavi while reducing travel time for residents of the Bengre peninsula.
At present, many commuters depend on ferry services or are forced to travel through longer road routes via Kulur and Panambur to access the mainland.
The new bridge is also expected to provide a major boost to tourism and economic activity by improving accessibility to Tannirbavi beach, which has emerged as one of the prominent tourist destinations in the region.
Residents and local stakeholders have welcomed the progress of the long-pending project, expressing hope that the bridge will greatly improve transportation, emergency access and regional development along the coastal belt.
With the massive girder lifting operation now underway, the project has entered a crucial stage that is expected to bring the long-awaited bridge closer to completion.