Rain to delay work on RUBs

Mangaluru: The works on the road under bridges across railway lines at Mahakalipadpu in the city, that commenced two years ago, is likely to be affected during the ensuing rainy season.
The commencement of work on the two RUBs at Mahakalipadpu has already cut the direct access to the city from NH-66 at Jeppinamogaru. In fact, the Jeppinamogaru–Morgans Gate stretch was an easy access point for private vehicles from Talapady, Konaje, and Ullal to the city. For many decades, people have been fighting for RUBs at Mahakalipadpu, where vehicles are forced to wait for a long time for trains to cross at the level crossing.
The Southern Railway has commenced the work on the construction of the twin RUBs with the box-pushing method under two railway lines—Shoranur-Mangaluru Junction and Shoranur-Mangaluru Central. According to the officials, the box-pushing work will be taken up after the rainy season.
Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel had laid the foundation for the RUB, that will reduce the distance between the national highway 66 bypass and the city, in March 2021. Though it was expected to be completed within 12 months, the project was delayed due to litigation related to land acquisition that was pending in the high court.
Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) general manager Arun Prabha told TOI that the twin RUB across two railways lines near Mahakalipadpu will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore. “Meanwhile, Rs 20 crore has been earmarked to develop connecting roads on both sides of the RUBs,” he said.
“Offsite works related to the RUBs will continue, and the box-pushing will be taken up later. The entire project of two RUBs is expected to be completed by March next year,” he added.