The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has taken the first step in pushing forward the construction of a road underbridge (RuB) at the busy Jeppu-Mahakalipadpu railway level crossing by making an advance payment to the railways.
In a recent letter to the Southern Railways, that will be overseeing the execution of the project, the corporation said the centage charges (which are paid as advance before the start of construction) of Rs. 13.99 lakh had been sent to the division.
After perusing the proposal put forward by the MCC, the Southern Railways had said at the end of May this year that the Rs. 6.69-crore project would be furthered only when the centage charges were paid. Though the deposit of money signals the start of pre-construction work on the proposal, the MCC– which had in the past hesitated on the project over questions of funding – has asked the State government to finance it.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the corporation highlighted the importance of the road that connects South Mangalore areas such as Jeppu, Mangaladevi, Pandeshwar, Bunder to NH 66 (Mangalore to Kochi).
The corporation said more than 40 passenger and freight trains pass through the railway tracks, causing traffic snarls at the road.
Numerous organisations, and individuals have lodged complaints and conducted protests over the level-crossing, said the corporation.
Bill“Though the corporation has paid the centage charges, it will be very difficult for the corporation to foot the entire bill of Rs. 6.69 crore,” said the letter.
Mohammed Soofi, president, Nirmala Nagara Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike, said that constructing a RuB/RoB was a long pending demand of people especially in Mahakalipadpu area as frequent closure of railway gate at the level crossing affected many people.
