[6:22 PM, 5/9/2022] +91 94490 48177: Dedicated to people just three days ago, the Karnataka’s only floating bridge at Malpe beach in Udupi district has collapsed. The bridge was inaugurated by Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat last Friday (May 6). The operation of the floating bridge has been suspended after it partially got dismantled on Sunday due to cyclonic weather.

Rs 80 lakh was reported to have been spent on this floating bridge, which was expected to boost the tourism industry of the state. Netizens have taken this to social media and have been expressing their worries over its vulnerability.

The incident took place a day after heavy rain lashed several parts of Bengaluru, uprooting several trees, inundating several roads and collapsing infrastructures across the city including the recently inaugurated.

Sudesh Shetty from Hanuman Vitobha Bhajana Mandali which operting the bridge said, “Due to cyclone effect and heavy wind, we had disconnected the locks of the bridge so that the floating bridge does not suffer any damage. As a result, some of the blocks of the bridge were floating in the sea on May 9 morning.” The floating bridge will be closed following a notice from the district administration that has barred all water sports activities in view of the rough sea.

Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat said that all water sports activities, including use of floating bridge, were suspended at Malpe beach since May 8 evening because of the rough sea. No one is allowed to enter the water.

“The floating bridge was damaged after being hit by huge waves on May 8 night. Some pontoon blocks have come off. It’s not unusual. These blocks can be reset, and the bridge will be restored,” Bhat said.
The floating bridge on Malpe beach is the initiative and is operated by a group of local entrepreneurs. “We are not operating the floating bridge,” he said in response to reports questioning the Karnataka Government’s decision to have one at Malpe.