FOB planned near MGM College as Indrali site faces space constraint
Coastal Talk News | Udupi
With limited space available to construct a foot over bridge (FOB) near the Indrali Railway Over Bridge, Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) is planning to construct an FOB in front of MGM College on NH 169A. Sources in the CMC told Coastal Talk News that the work is expected to begin soon. The agency assigned to execute the project has already started centring work, while the main construction is likely to begin shortly.
The proposed FOB is expected to provide safer road crossing for students and pedestrians, particularly during peak hours. The stretch in front of MGM College witnesses heavy traffic, and several accidents have been reported in the past involving students crossing the highway. The demand for an FOB at this location has been raised repeatedly, said social activist Nithyananda Volakad.
Earlier, Udupi CMC had planned an FOB near the Indrali ROB to help pedestrians cross NH 169A and provide safer access to Udupi railway station. However, lack of space has delayed the proposal. A 33 kV power line had emerged as an obstacle. During the earlier widening of NH 169A, the NH Division of the PWD had been asked to shift the Manipal-Kunjibettu 33 kV line underground. Instead, the line was moved to the edge of the road by NH Division of PWD.
Following the opening of the new bowstring railway over bridge in September last year, vehicle movement has improved. However, pedestrians, including schoolchildren and railway passengers, still face difficulty crossing the highway. Udupi CMC had also earmarked Rs 4.50 lakh for shifting the power line and agreed to pay five per cent supervision charges to MESCOM. The plan is awaiting finalization by MESCOM, sources said.
