Mangaluru: The long-standing dream of locals in the Manila region of Karnataka and neighboring villages in Kerala is set to become a reality with the approval of a Rs 20 crore grant for the construction of a bridge over the Siriya River at Kamajalu-Poovandka in Manila village.
Bridge to Connect Karnataka and Kerala
The bridge will serve as a vital link between the two states. Currently, residents of Manila and Vitla in Karnataka have to travel 28 kilometers to reach villages across the river. Although Perla in Kasaragod district, Kerala, is geographically close to Manila, the existing road journey is long and inconvenient.
Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced that the grant has been approved, fulfilling a promise made to the people. For the past three decades, residents of both states have been petitioning various authorities for the bridge's construction.
MLA's Efforts and Government Approval
Speaking about the project, Rai said, "Within a few months of winning the election, I conducted a survey on the construction of the bridge over the Siriya River and its pros and cons. Two years into my tenure, I have kept my word by pressuring the government to approve Rs 20 crore."
On March 28, MLA Ashok Rai brought Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi to Manila to inspect the proposed site. After the inspection, the minister acknowledged the necessity of the bridge, noting that the Kerala government would not build it, so the Karnataka government must take action since the river lies within Karnataka's territory. He instructed officials to conduct a survey and submit a report. On April 29, the minister approved the Rs 20 crore grant.
Bridge Specifications and Additional Road Works
The bridge over the Siriya River will be approximately 80 meters long and 10 meters wide. To connect the bridge via the Karnataka border, a 1.5-kilometer road needs to be constructed, while a 1-kilometer road is required for connection to Kerala. The state government has approved the Rs 20 crore grant for the bridge construction, and good roads need to be built on both sides of the bridge. An additional proposal for a Rs 6 crore grant has been submitted, which is expected to be approved soon, said Rai.
