Madisaalu bridge set to open soon

Madisaalu bridge set to open soon

Mangalore Today News Network

Brahmavar: Connecting Kunjalu-Aarooru-Kolalagiri directly with a bridge across Madisaalu stream at Aarooru Tenkabettu is set to become a reality after six decades. The work on the bridge is nearing completion and will be open for traffic by in May 2015.  Before independence, late Mahabala Patel had chalked out a plan to construct a bridge which would provide direct connectivity to K G Road, Udupi and to Perdoor through Havanje. The project was conceived to help daily passengers of Aaroor , Cherkadi, Neelavara, Kokkarne, Petri, Uppur and Havanje.  However, it was not be realised all these years due to  funds.After 30 years, though work on bridge commenced by utilising Rs 15 lakh and two pillars were constructed.

However, within a few months after the commencement of Aaroor- Belmaru road development work, the bridge work stopped. Though villagers submitted several petitions demanding the government to complete the work, the work was never realised till recently.

Travel time  :   With the effort of then MLA K Raghupati Bhat, Udupi division of PWD, Port and Inland Transport department had released around Rs 3 crore for the project. Then port and muzrai minister Kota Srinivas Poojary performed ground breaking ceremony on December 9, 2012.

Though LAF Construction Company of Kasargod had to complete the work within 12 months, the 67.07 metre long and 7.50 metre width bridge was constructed in two years. Mud has been filled on both sides and road development work is is likley to be completed shortly.  Construction of retaining wall is in progress and road will be available for vehicle movement, once the asphaltation work is complete.

With Madisaalu bridge, people of Petri, Karje, Kokkarne, Kunjalu and Cherkadi will get direct connectivity to Udupi. This will help them to reduce their travel by 10 to 15 km. Along with this, people of Belmaru will get a relief from village getting converted to a mini island during monsoon.