The closure of the Polali bridge to heavy vehicles has significantly disrupted the daily commute for over 2,000 students, ranging from lower kindergarten to postgraduate levels. The 50-year-old bridge, which connects BC Road and Mangaluru, now only allows the passage of light motor vehicles and two-wheelers. As a result, students are forced to cross the bridge on foot and then board another vehicle to reach their educational institutions.
This situation has caused inconvenience and additional expenses for students like Riya, who now have to purchase two tickets to reach their college. Fr. Arun, the principal of St. Dominic’s School in Badakabail, expressed concerns about the safety of the students, noting the absence of police personnel to manage traffic on the bridge. Parents have also voiced concerns, calling for the district administration to ensure safety measures for students crossing the bridge.
The affected students, parents, and school authorities are urging the district administration to address the issue promptly and provide safer and more efficient transportation arrangements.
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