Railways clears four‑lane widening at Pandeshwara level crossing: MP Capt. Chowta

Southern Railway approves four-lane widening at Pandeshwara level crossing, enhancing safety with a new automatic gate system.

Captain Brijesh Chowta, Dakshina Kannada MP, on Monday, said the Southern Railway has approved the development of a portion of the Pandeshwara railway level crossing stretch into a four-lane road. This level crossing has been a source of traffic issues and public frustration in the city for many years.

In a statement, Capt. Chowta stated that after realising the seriousness of the issue, he had given strict instructions to the railway officials to come up with solutions during a meeting held at the office of Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) and railway officials were asked to submit a comprehensive report on possible solutions to the problem. MCC officials were also directed to upload this report on the official portal of the Railway Department.

The Railway Department has approved the development of the Pandeshwar level crossing road — which falls under the Southern Railway jurisdiction — into a four-lane road. Following continuous discussions with the general manager of Southern Railway and the divisional railway manager of the Palakkad division, it was possible to provide a solution, the MP said. 

An estimate was being prepared for the widening of the road. The tender process for the widening work will be done by the end of March, the MP said. There is a four‑lane Mangaladevi Road under the jurisdiction of the MCC, while only the stretch within the railway limits remains a two‑lane road. Once the widening is completed, the level crossing road will also become a four‑lane stretch, facilitating smooth movement of vehicles. In addition, a double‑boom barrier automatic gate system will be installed to enhance safety, the MP stated.