A portion of an old bridge at Karambar on SH-67 has collapsed, causing significant traffic disruptions between Bajpe and Mangaluru. Travelers are advised to use alternative routes.

  • A section of the old minor bridge arch at Karambar collapsed on Wednesday.
  • Traffic between Bajpe and Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) is heavily impacted.
  • The PWD had previously submitted reconstruction proposals that were not approved.
  • District administration has suggested Porkodi-Jokatte and Jarinagara as alternative routes.

Vehicular movement on the Mangaluru-Athradi State Highway 67 (SH-67) has been severely disrupted following a structural failure at the Karambar minor bridge. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved the collapse of a portion of the old bridge's arch, situated between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Bajpe, rendering the structure unstable and unsafe for heavy transit.

While the connectivity between Mangaluru city and the airport remains intact—as the damaged bridge is located beyond the airport perimeter—the impact on commuters traveling from Bajpe is significant. Those heading towards the airport or Mangaluru city from the Bajpe direction are now forced to navigate through alternative, potentially longer, road networks.

Read Also:Brad Pitt admits he is no longer sober, cites suicidal thoughts amid family issues with ex‑wife Angelina Jolie

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such infrastructure failures often stem from delayed maintenance and ignored warnings. The disruption extends beyond mere commuting inconveniences; it affects the flow of pilgrims to the sacred Kateel center and impacts the logistical efficiency of the region surrounding the international airport.

The failure to act on timely reconstruction proposals can turn manageable maintenance issues into critical public safety emergencies.

Public Works Department (PWD) engineers have revealed a troubling timeline regarding the bridge's condition. According to officials, formal proposals for the reconstruction of this minor bridge had been submitted to the government several years ago. However, these proposals failed to receive the necessary administrative approval at that time. In light of the extensive damage witnessed this week, the department is now preparing an emergency proposal to seek immediate priority approval.

To mitigate the chaos, the district administration has issued an official advisory. Road users are encouraged to utilize the Porkodi-Jokatte route to reach the city and the Jarinagara route to access the airport. Engineers have indicated that once temporary repairs are completed, the stretch may only be opened to light vehicles, strictly prohibiting heavy machinery and large commercial trucks until a permanent replacement is constructed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Mangaluru International Airport inaccessible?
No, the airport is still accessible from the city side, but travelers coming from Bajpe must use alternative routes.

2. What are the recommended alternative routes?
The administration suggests using Porkodi-Jokatte for city access and Jarinagara for airport access.

Did You Know?: Infrastructure stability is often compromised by aging arches, which are sensitive to shifting soil and heavy monsoon runoff.