A portion of the historic Karambar arch bridge on SH-67 has collapsed, forcing PWD to initiate emergency temporary repairs. The reconstruction proposal had been pending government approval since March 2025.
- A section of the Karambar minor arch bridge on SH-67 collapsed on Wednesday.
- The PWD had submitted a ₹2 crore reconstruction proposal in March 2025.
- Temporary earthen culverts using concrete pipes are being constructed for light vehicles.
- Heavy motor vehicles must use alternative routes.
The sudden collapse of a portion of the Karambar minor arch bridge on the Mangaluru-Athradi State Highway 67 (SH-67) has triggered massive traffic disruptions. The incident, occurring between the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Bajpe, has left commuters searching for alternative routes after the Public Works Department (PWD) suspended all vehicular movement on the structure for safety.
This crisis could have been averted if the government had acted upon the proposal sent by the PWD a year ago. In March 2025, the department requested a sanction of ₹2 crore for the complete reconstruction of the bridge, citing structural weaknesses caused by years of environmental wear and tear. The delay in administrative approval has now resulted in a critical infrastructure failure.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that delayed infrastructure maintenance in high-traffic corridors like the MIA-Bajpe stretch creates a ripple effect, impacting airport logistics, local commerce, and emergency response times.
Infrastructure neglect is not just a budgetary oversight; it is a direct threat to public safety and regional connectivity.
To mitigate the immediate impact, the PWD has commenced work on a temporary earthen culvert. This makeshift structure, constructed using concrete pipes alongside the damaged bridge, is expected to be operational within a week. However, engineers have cautioned that this diversion is strictly for light motor vehicles (LMVs).
Heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be diverted to alternative roads, a move that is expected to be formalized through an official notification by the Deputy Commissioner. While traffic from Mangaluru city to the airport remains unaffected, commuters traveling from the Bajpe direction to the airport will face significant delays.
| Feature | Original Bridge | Temporary Culvert |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Damaged/Closed | Under Construction |
| Vehicle Type | All Vehicles | Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) Only |
| Estimated Completion | N/A | Approximately 1 Week |
Historical Background
The original arch minor bridge at Karambar was constructed in 1963. Having served the region for over six decades, the structure had become increasingly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature and heavy monsoon seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which vehicles can use the temporary diversion?
A1: Only light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be permitted to use the earthen culvert.
Q2: How will this affect travel to Mangaluru International Airport?
A2: Travelers from Bajpe will face disruptions and must use alternative routes, while city-to-airport traffic remains stable.
