MANGALORE: The Pavanje bridge constructed across Nandini river on the National
Highway 17 is in a dangerously bad state. The several cracks which had developed on the
bridge much earlier, have widened , giving all indications of the dangers that lay ahead.
Every time a heavy vehicle passes through there is a strong vibration in the bridge,
giving rise to fear in the minds of travelers.
But the National Highway Authority of India has preferred to turn a blind eye to the
problem. In fact, the condition of this bridge had worsened ever since the overloaded ore
lorries began to use this road.
When The Canara Ties had contacted the executive engineer of the NH Department a
month ago, he had then assured to inspect the bridge and do the needful. Soon some
steps were taken to seal the cracks with just mud and the rains washed away the soil
bringing back the road to its original condition. ? Riding a vehicle, particularly a two-
wheeler is a big challenge on this bridge and whenever the vehicle passes through the
large cracks, fear creeps in our minds,? say a regular traveler.
Though a new bridge is under construction to coincide with the four-laning project, the
old bridge too has to be repaired as it is this bridge that will be used until the new bridge
is operational.
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