Udupi, September 21, 2025 – The long-awaited Indrali Railway Bridge on National Highway 169A in Udupi was officially opened for traffic today, marking the end of an eight-year saga marked by delays, protests, and public frustration. The bridge was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna in a ceremony attended by key dignitaries and local residents.
The event saw the presence of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivasa Poojary, MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, V. Sunil Kumar, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, and Gururaj Gantihole, along with District Collector Swaroop T.K., Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Udupi Nagar Sabha President Prabhakar Poojary, Vice President Rajani Hebbar, Udupi Urban Development Authority Chairman Dinkar Heroor, former Minister Pramod Madhwaraj, former MLA Lalaji R. Mendon, and officials from the National Highways Division of the Karnataka Public Works Department.
The bridge, connecting Udupi and Manipal, has been a critical infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving safety on the busy NH 169A corridor. Construction began in 2018 but faced significant delays due to design changes, monsoon-related setbacks, and coordination issues with the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL). The project, initially planned as a 38-meter bridge, was extended to 58 meters to accommodate future railway line expansion, increasing the complexity and timeline of the work.
The prolonged delays sparked widespread protests from residents and civil society organizations, as the construction site became a hotspot for traffic snarls, accidents, and fatalities. MP Kota Srinivasa Poojary highlighted the challenges, noting that an FIR was filed against National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to expedite progress—a rare move to ensure accountability.
During the inauguration, Minister V. Somanna emphasized the significance of the bridge for Udupi’s development, crediting the central government’s commitment to infrastructure growth. He also proposed renaming the Indrali railway station as Sri Krishna railway station, reflecting the cultural significance of the region.
MP Poojary expressed satisfaction at the project’s completion, stating, “This bridge has been under discussion for over six years. Its opening is a relief for commuters and a testament to persistent efforts to overcome obstacles.” He also acknowledged the support of local leaders and officials in pushing the project forward.
The bridge’s main structure, a bow-string steel girder design, was completed in May 2025 after the installation of a 450-metric-ton, 60-meter-long girder, with concreting finalized in August despite monsoon delays. Final touches, including protective painting and partial work on pedestrian passages, were completed in the lead-up to the inauguration. However, the approach road and a proposed skywalk for pedestrian safety remain under construction, raising some concerns among locals.
The opening of the Indrali Railway Bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Udupi and Manipal, reduce accidents, and alleviate traffic woes in this bustling corridor. Authorities have been directed to clear construction debris and complete beautification efforts to enhance the area’s aesthetics.
