A Long-Awaited Solution: New Bow String Bridge Opens in Udupi

Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna inaugurated the much-anticipated Bow String Girder Bridge at Indrali, Udupi, on September 21, marking a major step toward decongesting the heavily trafficked Udupi–Manipal corridor.

Part of National Highway 169A, the bridge spans the Mangaluru–Mumbai railway line and is set to significantly ease daily commutes for students, locals, and tourists. The region, home to institutions like Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and landmarks such as Sri Krishna Math, has long faced traffic bottlenecks, particularly along a 700-metre stretch between MGM College and Indrali due to the absence of a second bridge.

The steel bow string girder structure was assembled and slid into position in May, with final works, including concretisation, completed ahead of the September launch. Long-standing public demand and active efforts by Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary were instrumental in accelerating the project.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.