Mangaluru, April 21, 2025 – The critical concrete box-pushing phase for the Mahakalipadpu twin railway under-bridge (RuB) project has been completed, marking a major step toward resolving traffic bottlenecks on the NH-66-Mangaluru city route. The ₹50-crore project, delayed by technical challenges since 2021, is now on track to open by mid-June 2025, weather permitting.

Key Developments

1. Box-Pushing Technique Success

• Two precast concrete boxes (9m x 10m x 7m) were pushed beneath active railway lines using hydraulic jacks, minimizing disruption to rail traffic.
• This method replaced traditional excavation, reducing risks and speeding up construction.

2. Road Reopening Timeline

• The 1,078-meter four-lane road from NH-66 (Jeppinamogaru) to Mangaluru city, closed since December 2021, will reopen once approach roads and safety measures are finalized.

3. Regional Impact

• Eliminates the Mahakalipadpu level crossing, easing congestion for commuters from Ullal, Mudipu, Talapady, and Kerala.
• Expected to streamline access to Mangaluru’s central business district.

Overcoming Challenges

The project faced delays due to:

• Rock Removal: Controlled blasting to clear a massive rock formation near Netravathi Cabin.
• Safety Incident: A partial collapse of a concrete box in December 2023 prompted revised engineering strategies.

What’s Next?

• Approach Roads: Construction to begin immediately, with asphalt laying and drainage work prioritized.
• Safety Audits: Southern Railway and Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) will conduct final inspections in May 2025.