Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SHP)

Mangaluru, Jun 5: The ambitious Gurpur bridge built across the Phalguni river on Mangaluru-Moodbidri-Karkala, NH 169 which was under construction, is finally completed and is ready for vehicular movement. Meanwhile, the photographs of the newly constructed bridge have gone viral on social media. The bridge work was slated to finish by February. However, due to some technical and land acquisition issues, the work got delayed.

Back in February 2019, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel was the one who had laid the foundation stone for the project. The estimated time for the completion of the project was supposed to be around two years. But, Kateel had assured of completing the project within one year. The initial cost of the construction of the bridge was around Rs 39.4 crore. However, it is still unclear whether the delay of a few months has shot up the cost.

The decision for the construction of the new Gurupur bridge was made after the original bridge built in the year 1923, was found in a dilapidated state. Considering the dangerous situation it posed, a decision to build a more sturdy bridge was taken.

The bridge connects with Karkala and is situated 17 km away from Mangaluru and generally witnesses heavy vehicular movement.