Mangaluru: Delay in Jappu Mahakali Padpu railway underpass work; deadline extended to October

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 17, 2025: The construction of the railway underpass at Jappu Mahakali Padpu in Mangaluru, part of the Smart City project, has seen delays and is now extended to October. The project, which was expected to be completed within a year when it began in December 2022, is nearing three years with work still unfinished.

Initially, the plan was to expedite the project and open the road to traffic before the onset of monsoon. However, during the excavation process, underground rock formations were discovered, causing significant delays. Currently, underground drainage work is in progress to ensure proper rainwater flow, while road construction is being carried out by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd.

 

A portion of the road leading to the National Highway at Jappinamogaru has been completed. The underpass construction, being handled by the railway department through a tender process, was funded with ₹30.7 crore by the Smart City project. Out of this, ₹20 crore is allocated for the underpass and the remaining for connecting roads.

Due to the complexity of the construction, trains have been running at reduced speeds in the area. The ongoing work has also blocked vehicle movement for the past few years, leaving only a narrow path alongside for two-wheelers. This narrow stretch, worsened by a large pothole in the middle, has become hazardous for riders.

The road in this area, particularly around a bend with the pothole, poses risks and often experiences heavy congestion, especially during peak hours. The presence of a level crossing gate adds to the traffic woes.

Meanwhile, Smart City authorities have completed concrete four-lane roads on both sides of the underpass, but full connectivity awaits completion of the main structure.