Mangaluru: Traffic woes intensify at Pandeshwar railway gate after opening of Mahakalipadpu underpass

Mangaluru: Traffic woes intensify at Pandeshwar railway gate after opening of Mahakalipadpu underpass

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 25, 2026: Vehicular movement through the Mahakalipadpu railway underpass has been increasing day by day. With the ongoing Pumpwell–Kankanady roadworks, the number of motorists using the Mahakalipadpu underpass has risen significantly. As a result, traffic congestion near the Pandeshwar railway level crossing has worsened considerably.

For several years, frequent movement of empty trains from Mangaluru Central Station to the port goods shed has caused daily traffic jams at Pandeshwar and Hoige Bazaar. Despite multiple meetings held by public representatives to find a permanent solution, the problem remains unresolved. Commuters entering the city continue to face severe inconvenience.

The Mahakalipadpu railway underpass has now been opened for vehicular traffic. Earlier, cars and other vehicles rarely used this route towards Pandeshwar. However, following the opening of the underpass, vehicle numbers have increased sharply, directly impacting traffic at the Pandeshwar railway level crossing.

Adding to the problem, the Pumpwell–Kankanady road has been temporarily closed due to ongoing works. Consequently, many vehicles coming from the Thokkottu side towards the city are turning left at Jeppu and entering the city via Mahakalipadpu. This has doubled the number of vehicles queuing at the Pandeshwar railway gate, making prolonged traffic blocks a routine occurrence.

The railway gate at Pandeshwar is reportedly closed at least 16 times a day. Being an old manual gate, it occasionally malfunctions. Once closed, vehicle queues extend up to Forum Mall on one side and towards the Emmekere inner road on the other. Schoolchildren in the morning and office-goers in the evening are forced to wait on the road for at least 20 minutes. Locals