Work to prevent waterlogging at Mahakalipadpu RuB begins

Mangaluru: Although the road connecting the city from NH-66 at Jappinamogaru via the Mahakalipadpu railway underbridge (RuB) was inaugurated by urban development and town planning minister Byrathi Suresh on Jan 25, concerns about possible waterlogging under the RuB during the monsoon persist.Soon after the opening, the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) began work to ensure that rainwater does not clog the RuB on the new city approach road stretch.Plans before the MSCL are to take up work to create a provision for rainwater drainage, as the road was inaugurated before developing the required infrastructure for water flow. MSCL general manager (tech) Arun Prabha KS told TOI that a detailed plan was prepared to prevent waterlogging under the RuB. He said the plan includes the construction of stormwater drains from both directions of the RuB, and a gully trap will be installed to allow water to flow freely. Gully trap chambers will be provided on both sides of the road, and the water will be allowed to flow to the river, the officer said.In fact, a similar issue persisted at the RuB at Padil near the Mangaluru junction railway station. During heavy rains, the RuB would flood due to the lack of a proper stormwater drain. There were instances of vehicles getting stuck inside the flooded RuB. Arun Prabha said that the work at Mahakalipadpu will be completed before the onset of monsoon to ensure major approach roads do not witness artificial flooding. On the issue of the lack of underground drainage in the area, he said that it will not impact the new road and 4-lane twin RuB developed at a cost of Rs 50 crore.