Power lines to go underground along procession route; safety concerns addressed
Mangaluru: In a major infrastructure push for the famed Dasara celebrations, the Karnataka government has cleared a ₹67 crore project to shift overhead power lines underground along the procession route, easing long-standing safety and logistical concerns.
The annual Mangaluru Dasara, organised by the Kudroli Sri Gokarnath Temple, draws massive crowds and features tall idols and chariots. Overhead power lines have often posed hurdles, forcing temporary power shutdowns and causing inconvenience to residents and businesses.
Speaker’s push speeds up approvals
The proposal gained momentum after intervention by Karnataka Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader Farid, who coordinated with the energy department to secure approvals, officials said.
Work to begin soon, tender process complete
Padmaraj R. Poojary, a constituency representative, said the tender process has been finalised and work is expected to commence shortly, ensuring smoother conduct of the procession.
Top leaders back project
The initiative has the backing of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, Energy Minister K. J. George and district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Beyond festival: Better safety, fewer outages
Officials said underground cabling will not only improve safety during Dasara but also reduce power disruptions during the monsoon and enhance the city’s aesthetics by eliminating overhead wires.
