Villagers Risk Their Lives Crossing Broken Footbridge for Two Decades in Karnataka Byndoor

For the residents of Aregundi village in Karnataka’s Byndoor taluk, crossing a broken footbridge has become an unavoidable part of daily life. Despite repeated appeals to authorities over the past two decades, hundreds of people still depend on the unsafe structure to reach schools, hospitals and nearby towns. Villagers say every monsoon brings fresh fears, yet their long standing demand for a permanent bridge remains unanswered.

The issue has become a major concern in Kappadi Aregundi, which falls under the Kalthodu Gram Panchayat in Udupi district. Locals claim that while governments and elected representatives have changed over the years, the condition of the damaged footbridge has remained the same. They say promises are often made during election campaigns, but the problem is forgotten once voting is over.

The situation becomes especially dangerous during the rainy season. Rising water levels increase the flow beneath the bridge, making it even more difficult and risky to cross. Residents say they have no alternative route, forcing them to use the fragile structure regardless of the weather. Every journey across the bridge is accompanied by uncertainty, particularly when heavy rain causes water to rush beneath the damaged crossing.

Schoolchildren are among those facing the greatest risk. Every day, young students carrying school bags must carefully make their way across the broken bridge to attend classes. Parents worry constantly about their children’s safety, knowing that a single misstep could lead to a serious accident. The combination of fast flowing water and the deteriorating condition of the bridge has turned a simple trip to school into a stressful experience.

The unsafe crossing also creates serious challenges for elderly residents, pregnant women and people requiring medical treatment. Villagers say reaching healthcare facilities becomes extremely difficult during emergencies because ambulances are unable to access the area through the damaged route. In urgent situations, delays caused by the lack of proper infrastructure can have severe consequences.

Residents recall a frightening incident that highlights the dangers of the bridge. A few years ago, two women were swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross the damaged structure. Fortunately, local people acted quickly and rescued them before tragedy struck. Villagers hoped the incident would encourage authorities to take immediate action and construct a permanent bridge, but they say nothing has changed since then.

People living in the area believe that basic infrastructure should not remain a distant promise for rural communities. They argue that safe transportation is essential not only for education and healthcare but also for employment, agriculture and everyday life. Without a reliable bridge, families continue to face unnecessary hardship throughout the year.

Community members are now once again urging the government and local administration to treat the issue as a priority. They want a permanent bridge that can withstand seasonal floods and provide safe access for everyone, including schoolchildren, senior citizens and emergency vehicles. According to residents, the current footbridge has already exceeded its usable life and can no longer guarantee public safety.

As another monsoon season continues, the people of Aregundi remain hopeful that their long ignored demand will finally receive attention. Until a permanent solution is delivered, they say they have little choice but to continue risking their lives each time they cross the broken bridge.