Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the construction of the technologically advanced bow string bridge connecting Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi across the Phalguni River, also known as the Gurupura river, is expected to be completed by September.

The minister spoke to reporters after inspecting the bridge construction site on Friday and said the work is progressing rapidly under the Smart City project. He noted that the bridge would significantly improve connectivity and make entry into Mangaluru city easier for residents of the surrounding coastal areas.

Bridge to reduce travel time for residents

At present, residents in the Bengre and Tannirbhavi areas either depend on ferry services or travel through the longer Kuloor route to reach the city, which takes nearly 30 to 35 minutes.

According to the minister, once the bridge becomes operational, travel time between Bengre, Tannirbhavi and Mangaluru city is expected to reduce drastically to around 8 to 10 minutes.

The bridge is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 64 crore under the Smart City initiative and is expected to benefit nearly 4,000 families living in the Bengre region.

Dinesh Gundu Rao said the project would improve daily commuting for residents while also enhancing access to commercial and public facilities in the city.

First bow string vehicular bridge in Karnataka

Officials stated that this is the first bow string model vehicular bridge being constructed in Karnataka.

The bridge will have a total length of 285 metres and include a 100-metre navigation span. A key feature of the project is the installation of a bow string girder that will provide a vertical clearance of 10 metres for boat movement beneath the structure.

The minister said arrangements are being made to ensure uninterrupted movement of boats through the waterway. The lifting of the bow string structure is scheduled to take place in June, following which navigation facilities for boats will be enabled.

He added that the bridge is being constructed in compliance with National Waterway-43 regulations. The design ensures that the structure remains 10 metres above the high tide line without affecting natural water flow or navigation activities.

Officials said the bridge is designed to facilitate the movement of all categories of vehicles and is considered one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently underway in Mangaluru.

Bridge expected to boost tourism

Apart from easing transportation difficulties, the bridge is also expected to provide a major boost to tourism activities in the coastal belt.

The minister said the bridge would serve as an alternative connectivity route to the Blue Flag beach at Tannirbhavi, improving access for visitors and supporting tourism-related business activities in the region.

Authorities believe the improved connectivity will encourage more visitors to explore coastal destinations around Mangaluru and enhance economic opportunities for local residents.

The aesthetically designed bridge is also expected to emerge as a new landmark attraction for the city.

Monsoon preparedness and flood prevention measures reviewed

During the interaction with reporters, the minister also reviewed monsoon preparedness measures in Dakshina Kannada district.

He said officials from various departments have already been instructed to remain alert and prepared for possible floods, artificial flooding and landslides during the monsoon season.

Meetings have been conducted with department officials to discuss precautionary measures and emergency response plans based on previous flood incidents in the district.

The minister stated that Rs 80 crore has been allocated for the construction of retaining walls in vulnerable areas and that the works are currently underway.

Additionally, desilting works have been initiated at a cost of Rs 9 crore to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

Officials present during inspection

Several officials and public representatives were present during the site inspection, including chairperson of the Cashew Development Corporation Mamatha Gatti, former corporators Vinayraj, Anil Kumar and Santosh Shetty.

Deputy commissioner Darshan H V, Smart City Mangaluru managing director Dr Santosh Kumar and Smart City general manager Arun Prabha also attended the inspection visit.

Officials expressed confidence that the bridge project would be completed on schedule and opened to the public by September.