Indian Railways Sanctions ₹2 Crore Underpass for Thokkottu-Olapete Link.

Southern Railway has given the green light for the construction of a pedestrian railway underpass at Thokkottu, a crucial development set to connect the long-isolated residents of Olapete in Ullal. For years, residents of this historic town have endured significant hardships crossing railway tracks due to a critical lack of infrastructure, with no railway gate, foot overbridge, or underpass forcing them to illegally traverse the tracks.

Following persistent efforts through numerous representations and inspections, Southern Railway approved a 3-meter pedestrian underpass to link Thokkottu with Olapete, announced Speaker and Mangaluru MLA UT Khader. The project is budgeted at ₹2 crore.

"The access from Thokkottu to Olapete is a major stretch that connects the national highway with Ullal town," Khader stated. "However, the railway tracks on the stretch cause inconvenience for thousands of people, including students and residents. They are forced to cross the railway track on the stretch to access markets, schools, colleges, mosques, temples, and churches."

The MLA further noted that while the railway department had long sought the closure of the existing level crossing due to safety concerns and past mishaps, local authorities had maintained access in consideration of public convenience.

With the railway department's formal approval, construction work on the underpass is expected to commence within the next three to four months. Once completed, the underpass will provide a safe passage for pedestrians and two-wheelers, significantly easing the daily commute for thousands.

The approval is a testament to the sustained advocacy by local groups, including the Ullal Students Union, which, in collaboration with various like-minded organizations, had organized protests and submitted memoranda to public representatives and railway officials to draw attention to the urgent need for this underpass.