Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Mahakalipadpu railway underbridges (RUBs) construction is complete and will be opened to the public after its inauguration post-Jan 18, said deputy commissioner Darshan HV.He told reporters on Wednesday that the public works department (PWD) is set to undertake road development work on the Pumpwell – Karavali Junction bypass road at a cost of Rs 20 crore. Due to the ongoing Karavali Utsava events in the city, many tourists are visiting Mangaluru. Consequently, the work on the Pumpwell – Karavali Junction stretch was delayed. The first phase of the Karavali Utsava events will conclude after Jan 18.Following this, a date will be set by district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and people’s representatives to open the railway underpass to the public, the DC said.The minister will be in the city to take part in Republic Day programmes on Jan 26, and the inaugural ceremony may also be organised on that day. Trial traffic runs were already conducted on the road via Mahakalipadpu RUBs. Given the necessity to carry out work on the Pumpwell – Karavali Junction stretch, it is imperative to open the road via Mahakalipadpu. However, minor works caused some delays, the DC said, responding to queries from media persons.Street dog rehabilitationThe DC said, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive, sites are being designated in the district for establishing street dog rehabilitation shelters. A site is already designated in Bondanthila village, and a funding proposal was submitted to the govt. Necessary steps will be taken to establish one street dog rehabilitation centre per taluk, he said.In Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits alone, nearly 60,000 street dogs were identified in the district. It is not possible to rehabilitate all at once; this will be done in phases. Additionally, to control street dogs, measures are being taken to prioritise the sterilisation of female dogs. However, there is only one animal birth control (ABC) centre in the city. At least one ABC centre for two taluks will be set up through private partnership, he said.
