Tue May 06 08:22:39 UTC 2025: ## Mangalore Residents Fear Traffic Chaos with New Railway Underbridges
**Mangaluru, May 6, 2025** – The completion of twin railway underbridges (RuBs) at Mahakalipadpu in Mangaluru, expected by the end of May, has raised concerns among residents about potential traffic gridlock. While the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSLCL) is finalizing approach roads, residents worry that the continued use of the Pandeshwar level crossing will create severe congestion.
The RuBs, nearing completion after four years of work, will divert traffic from the Central Business District (CBD) to the Jeppinamogaru-Morgan’s Gate-Mangaladevi stretch. However, the existing level crossing on Mangaladevi Road, frequently closed due to train movements to the nearby Bunder Yard, is expected to cause significant delays.
Guru Prasad, a local resident, expressed concern that the narrow level crossing, combined with increased traffic from the new RuBs, could lead to massive traffic jams stretching from Mangaladevi Temple to A.B. Shetty Circle. He points out that despite the relocation of a goods shed, passenger trains still use the Bunder Yard, necessitating frequent level crossing closures.
Previous attempts to resolve the issue, including proposals to relocate railway staff quarters and offices, or to construct additional RuBs or Rail Over Bridges, have been unsuccessful due to infrastructural constraints. The only viable solution, according to Prasad, is to halt train operations to Bunder Yard, thus eliminating the need for the level crossing altogether.
A senior MSLCL official confirmed that the RuBs are nearly ready for commissioning, with the railways completing internal work and the MSLCL finalizing approach roads. However, the concerns raised by residents highlight the need for a comprehensive traffic management plan to prevent significant disruption once the new underbridges open.
First Piper 