Mangaluru: Publicized as the country’s largest suspension bridge – the Tannirbhavi skywalk – the PWD depratment has released Rs 6 crore for the construction of the same, according to the sources.

The idea was first mooted in 2006 by, the then MLA, N Yogish Bhat; and by 2008, Rs. 12 crore was declared as the estimated budget by the department, for the 410m-long project, connecting Suthan Battery to Tannirbhavi Bengre over the river Gurupura, after the bridge width was extended by 10 feet.

However progress has been slow, though the foundation stone has been laid three times — including by two different BJP Chief Ministers — the work has kept on lingering mainly because of a lack of funding. The first time the foundation stone was laid, was during the election. The project was entrusted to the Dakshina Kannada Nirmiti Kendra. However only Rs. 1 crore was released of the granted 12 crore by the tourism department, and the works could not start as only 1/3 of the amount had been released.

The issue was raised in the Assembly, where it was suggested that the Public Works Department (PWD) handle the project. Recently, at a meeting held at Bengaluru between the PWD and the Tourism Department, another 6 crores have been released and the project is  slated to be completed in another two years according to MLA of Mangalore South, J.R Lobo

It will be a major boost to tourism in the area, besides, by conecting the historic Sulthan Battery to the popular Tannirbhavi bridge, around  around 650 families who live on the Bengere Sandbar will benefit tremendously. 

The Tourism Department says the distance of travel for the families would reduce from 16 km to 6 km by road and it would improve access to traditional fishing boats at Tannirbhavi.