Bajpe: Airport Road to shine bright with streetlights

Team Udayavani, Jan 10, 2025, 3:01 PM IST

Bajpe: Streetlight poles have been installed along the road divider from near the Mangaluru City Corporation gate at Marakada to the arrival gate of Mangaluru International Airport. However, the installation of light fittings and their electrical connections is yet to be completed.

Earlier, Udayavani highlighted the dangers posed by the dark stretch of Maravoor Bridge, which led to frequent accidents. Acting on these concerns, the airport authority initiated the project. The area, crucial for passenger vehicles and 24-hour traffic, was in complete darkness, causing inconvenience for travelers.

New-Model Streetlight Poles Installed

A total of 57 streetlight poles have been installed:

• From the Mangaluru City Gate to Maravoor Bridge: 9 poles
• From Maravoor Bridge to the railway bridge: 20 poles
• From the railway bridge to the airport exit gate: 4 poles
• From the airport exit gate to the arrival gate: 24 poles

Once operational, these lights will add a new sparkle to the airport road, improving visibility and making night travel safer and more convenient for vehicles.

Concern Over the Old Maravoor Bridge

The old Maravoor Bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic, with all vehicles now using the new bridge. Given the unsuitability of the old bridge for traffic, locals have urged authorities to expedite the construction of a replacement bridge. Congestion on the new bridge has increased, raising safety concerns among commuters.

Road Widening at Railway Bridge Pending

While the stretch from the Mangaluru City Corporation gate to the airport arrival gate supports two-way traffic, the area near the Maravoor railway bridge remains narrow, causing frequent traffic jams. Public demand for road widening at this bottleneck continues to grow, and the response from railway authorities on this matter is eagerly awaited.

Once the streetlights are installed and operational, the entire airport road is expected to gleam, providing a safer and smoother travel experience for passengers. Locals are hopeful for the swift completion of these projects to ensure improved amenities for all commuters.