Bantwal: Temporary traffic ban imposed on century-old Panemangaluru bridge

Bantwal: Temporary traffic ban imposed on century-old Panemangaluru bridge

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, June 12, 2025: Citing serious safety concerns, Bantwal Tahsildar Archana Bhat has issued an order temporarily banning vehicular movement on the century-old iron bridge over the Nethravathi River in Panemangaluru. The directive instructs the chief officer of Bantwal Town Municipality to strictly implement the restriction.

The aging bridge, which had earlier developed cracks, was previously restricted to light vehicles only, with iron arches installed to prevent the passage of heavy vehicles. However, the arches have since been damaged, allowing heavy vehicles to resume use of the bridge, raising alarm among officials.

In light of the bridge’s deteriorating condition and the continued absence of a structural capacity report from the concerned department, the tahsildar has invoked Section 68 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to enforce the ban until further notice. Despite earlier instructions to assess the bridge’s load-bearing capacity, the municipality has yet to submit the required report.

The move follows repeated violations and growing concerns over public safety, prompting higher authorities to take precautionary action.