Mangaluru: With the onset of the monsoon season, the district administration has stepped up efforts to address chronic artificial flooding at Pumpwell Junction and the Padil Railway Underpass, two of the city’s most flood-prone locations. Authorities have initiated a series of infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing waterlogging and minimising traffic disruptions during heavy rainfall.
Artificial flooding has remained a recurring challenge for Mangaluru residents for several years, particularly during intense monsoon showers. The problem often results in traffic congestion, delays and inconvenience for thousands of daily commuters.
Service road elevation work progressing at Pumpwell
Pumpwell Junction, one of the busiest traffic intersections in the city, experiences severe waterlogging whenever heavy rain coincides with inadequate drainage. The road beneath the flyover is particularly vulnerable, with stagnant water often remaining for several hours after rainfall.
To address the issue, authorities have undertaken work to raise the level of the service road beneath the flyover. Construction on one side has already been completed and opened to traffic, while work on the remaining section is progressing at a rapid pace.
Officials believe that elevating the road surface will help reduce water accumulation and improve traffic movement during periods of heavy rainfall.
Drainage network expansion to improve water flow
Alongside road improvement works, efforts are underway to strengthen the drainage infrastructure around Pumpwell.
The capacity of existing drains is being expanded to facilitate faster discharge of rainwater flowing into the area. Authorities are also working to improve the movement of water from the main roads into larger drainage channels.
A key focus has been on areas where rainwater from multiple directions converges, creating bottlenecks that contribute to flooding. To address this, plans have been implemented to create additional outlets near the mosque area. Work on two such outlets has already commenced.
Officials expect these interventions to improve drainage efficiency and significantly reduce the duration of water stagnation during heavy showers.
Pumping system planned for Padil Railway Underpass
The Padil Railway Underpass, another major flooding hotspot, has also received special attention from the district administration.
The underpass serves as an important transport corridor connecting Ullal, Talapady and parts of Kerala through the Padil–Bajal route. During heavy rains, water accumulation often renders the stretch impassable, forcing motorists to take lengthy alternative routes.
To prevent prolonged flooding, the district administration has coordinated with railway authorities to install a dedicated pumping system at the underpass. The proposed system is designed to quickly remove accumulated rainwater and restore traffic movement at the earliest.
Officials believe the pumping mechanism will substantially reduce disruptions and improve commuter safety during monsoon conditions.
Administration hopeful of reducing flood impact
Deputy Commissioner H. V. Darshan said several projects are being implemented simultaneously to reduce both the extent and duration of flooding in vulnerable parts of the city.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, the combined approach includes raising road levels, upgrading drainage infrastructure, creating additional water outlets and installing a pumping system at critical locations.
The administration expects these measures to improve stormwater management and help mitigate one of Mangaluru’s most persistent urban challenges.
Residents await results during monsoon season
While similar concerns have surfaced during previous monsoons, officials are optimistic that the current round of infrastructure improvements will produce visible results.
Residents and regular commuters have welcomed the initiatives, expressing hope that the longstanding problem of artificial flooding can finally be brought under control.
The effectiveness of the measures will be tested over the coming weeks as monsoon rains intensify. For now, the city is looking forward to a season with fewer traffic disruptions and improved road conditions in some of its most vulnerable locations.