The Southern Railway Palakkad Division will install a double boom barrier at the Pandeshwar level crossing in Mangaluru to allow four-lane vehicular movement and ease traffic congestion along Mangaladevi Road. The decision follows the continued delay in construction of a proposed railway overbridge at the same location. Tenders have been invited for installation of the double boom barrier together with associated civil and signalling works. Railway officials indicated that tender finalisation is likely within about a fortnight and that the works are estimated to cost Rs 20 mn.

Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey inspected the level crossing on September one accompanied by MCC and Railway officials and urged the rail authorities to expedite the tender process. The Corporation has said it will widen around 200 metres of road on either side of the crossing to four lanes once the Railway begins its widening works. Railway engineers estimated that installation of the double boom barrier and upgrading of the signalling system would take around six months after tender finalisation and that the works would be undertaken on a priority basis.

The proposed railway overbridge remains under discussion, with the Railways prepared to build a two-lane structure while the Corporation has sought a four-lane design to reflect traffic volumes. The Railways has requested detailed designs and drawings from the Corporation before proceeding further. The Pandeshwar level crossing has long been a source of inconvenience for motorists owing to frequent closures to permit movement of trains to and from Bunder Yard.

Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath and Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta have raised the matter with the State government and Railway authorities. In March, Capt Chowta said the Southern Railway had agreed to widen the level crossing to facilitate four-lane traffic and to reduce congestion when the gates are opened. Officials have indicated that work will begin after tender procedures are complete and that the barrier installation will be prioritised.