Will Tannirbavi-Sultan Battery Suspension Bridge be a reality soon?

Will Tannirbavi-Sultan Battery Suspension Bridge be a reality soon?

Mangalore Today News Network

Photos: Venu Hosabettu
Mangalore, Feb 19, 2014: It was a project slated to be a big boost for tourism. It was a project which came as a silver lining in the dark to people of the area who were tired of problems in ferry service. But what stands today as a mute testimony to the apathy of the authorities towards implementing this ambitious project are but a few pillars erected   at the project site.

Yes, the reference is to the Sultan Battery to Tannirbavi  suspension bridge across river Gurupur.  Described as the largest suspension bridge of India, the project was first mooted in 2008. In the year 2011,  a sum of Rs 12 crore was sanctioned for the 410 meter long bridge.

 

Ironically, the foundation for this project was laid thrice.Two chief ministers  of the BJP regime had laid foundation for the suspension bridge on two different occasions.

Sources reveal the government has not yet released Rs one crore out of the total estimated cost of the project.  But  participating in the  District level Tourism Development Committee meeting held recently, Ajith Jithendranath, Tourism Department Assistant Director had informed that a sum of Rs 100 lakh has been released for the project.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner AB Ibrahim, has also directed for early implementation of the project.

The officials further inform that there is a proposal to entrust the project to the PWD. Sources also inform that some progress can be expected if the cabinet approves handing over of the project to the PWD. Even MLA JR Lobo wants  the authorities to hasten the implementation of the project by resuming the suspended works at the earliest.

The suspension bridge  apart from providing a facelift to tourism in the area  will connect  the historic Sultan Battery with the popular Tannirbavi beach. The bridge will also be a boon to around 650 families in Bengre area  as the distance of travel would reduce to 6 km from the 16 km by road.

It is nothing but a tragedy that such an ambitious project is facing paucity of funds.