Mangaluru: The Southern Railway, which approved the development of the Pandeshwar level crossing road into a 4-lane road, is now considering constructing a road over bridge (ROB) at the location. The level crossing in the city has been causing significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters, as it remains closed more than 10 times daily to facilitate train movements.
Meeting Highlights
At a meeting chaired by Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Saturday, officials suggested that an ROB would provide a lasting solution. They informed the minister that a job description must be submitted by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). The minister directed DC Darshan HV to hold a meeting and submit a proposal.
"The district administration should convene a meeting involving Southern Railway Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), officials from the MCC, and Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta. Discuss the proposal and submit a detailed requirement within 15 days. We will sanction funds for the project as well as for land acquisition," Somanna said, instructing officials to prioritize the project.
Funds and Coordination
The minister emphasized that there is no shortage of funds. He stated that the long-pending issue of traffic congestion within the city limits needs to be resolved. "If we depend on state governments for funding, no work can be taken up," he added. MP Capt Chowta noted that the issue was discussed at the recently held District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting.
Southern Railway has already invited tenders to widen the road at the level crossing. The railways should complete the road widening work at the earliest. Meanwhile, the railways should also coordinate with the district administration for land acquisition for the proposed ROB, Chowta added.
Community Initiative
Shri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust, as part of the Awake Kudla initiative, has installed a display board to alert commuters about gate closures and guide them to alternative routes using simple, easily understood symbols. The level crossing on the busy city road closes 11 times between 8:35 am and 8:25 pm. The gate remains closed for at least 10-15 minutes for each train to cross, adding to the daily commute challenges.
