Suspension bridge linking Mangaluru to Bantwal taluk over Phalguni opened

Mangaluru, Aug 11: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai on Thursday inaugurated a new suspension bridge constructed across the Phalguni river at Muthur near Ganjimutt on the outskirts of the city.

Built by the Coastal Development Authority (CDA), the bridge connects two taluks of Dakshina Kannada as its one end lies in Mangaluru taluk and the other end in Badagabollur of Bantwal taluk.

This is also the first ever suspension bridge of Mangaluru taluk and falls under both Mangaluru North and Bantwal assembly constituencies represented by B A Mohiuddin Bava and Mr Rai respectively.

This bridge was a long pending demand of the people of Badagabollur village who had to cross the river to reach the district headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, CDA chairperson Nivedith Alva, said that a few recently built hanging bridges across rivers in coastal Karnataka have not only helped in providing access to remove villages, but also managed to attract many tourists.

Mr Bava, who was also present on the occasion, said that suspension bridges provide a fantastic view of the rivers and they will naturally attract more tourists.

A senior officer of the district administration said, “Constructing bridges for villages that have negligible population is not feasible. Hence, the hanging bridges have come as a boon for such villagers."

Mechanical Engineer Girish Bharadwaj, who is known for building affordable and reliable suspension bridges that connect isolated villages with opportunity, is the chief architect of this bridge.