Mangaluru takes on monsoon flooding: Pumpwell upgrades and Padil underpass pumping system planned

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jun 5, 2026: With the arrival of the monsoon, artificial flooding remains one of the biggest challenges faced by residents of Mangaluru city. Among the worst-affected locations are the Pumpwell Junction and the Padil Railway Underpass, both of which are inundated almost every year, causing severe inconvenience to motorists. This year, however, the district administration has initiated several measures ahead of the monsoon to address these longstanding problems.

At Pumpwell, one of the city’s busiest traffic junctions, heavy rainfall often leads to waterlogging on the road beneath the flyover, disrupting traffic movement. In many instances, water remains stagnant for hours, forcing vehicles to wade through flooded roads. To tackle the issue, work is underway to raise the level of the service road beneath the flyover. Construction on one side has already been completed and opened for traffic, while work on the remaining stretch is progressing rapidly.

In addition, efforts are being made to expand the drainage network to ensure faster discharge of rainwater flowing into the Pumpwell area. The capacity of existing drains is being increased to facilitate smoother flow of water from the main road. Plans are also being implemented to create additional outlets near the mosque area, where rainwater from multiple directions converges. Work on two such outlets has already begun.

Meanwhile, special attention has been given to the recurring flooding at the Padil Railway Underpass, where water accumulation during heavy rains often brings traffic to a complete halt. The underpass is a key link connecting Ullal, Talapady and parts of Kerala through the Padil–Bajal route. When flooded, motorists are forced to take longer alternative routes.

To address the issue, the district administration, in coordination with the Railways, has decided to install a pumping system to quickly remove water accumulating in the underpass. Officials believe the system will prevent prolonged waterlogging and significantly reduce traffic disruptions during heavy rainfall.

According to Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan, multiple works are being carried out in a coordinated manner to reduce both the extent and duration of flooding in the Pumpwell area. These include raising road levels, expanding drainage infrastructure and creating additional channels for water flow. The proposed pumping system at the Padil Underpass is also expected to ease monsoon-related traffic problems.

Whether these measures will finally provide a lasting solution to the artificial flooding that has troubled Mangaluru for years will become clear during the current monsoon season. For now, residents and commuters are hopeful that the initiatives will bring much-needed relief.