Sir,

The underbridge road near the Fire Brigade refers to the Railway underbridge located near the Saraswathipuram Fire Brigade Office. This specific underbridge lies between the Mysore University Pavilion and the Muslim Hostel, as well as the old Ursu Boarding School area.

This new bridge, as everyone in Mysuru knows, was constructed by excavating the road and reconstructing it underground. It has significantly reduced the waiting time for vehicular traffic during train crossings. Earlier, the old railway line ran at road level with a gate that halted traffic whenever a train passed.

The side walls constructed on both sides of the road are fitted with drainage holes (weep holes) to allow rainwater to flow out and to protect both the side walls and the railway bridge.

However, some of these weep holes have been blocked by irresponsible — or ignorant — pedestrians inserting water bottles and stones into them. This causes rainwater to accumulate at ground level, particularly near the Pavilion and the Ursu Boarding School area.

As knowledgeable individuals are aware, holes in bridge side walls, especially in retaining walls and abutments, are called weep holes. They are designed to drain water from behind the wall and prevent the build-up of hydrostatic pressure, thereby avoiding structural damage and maintaining the bridge’s stability.

Weep holes are essential when a structure is located below the water table, lacks water-proof plastering, or is subjected to water pressure greater than the saturated earth pressure.

Blockages: Weep holes are susceptible to clogging by debris, which prevents water from draining and reduces ventilation, completely impeding their function.

Some members of the public insert bottles, stones or plastic covers into these openings, potentially causing long-term structural problems. Suitable measures are needed to prevent such blockages.

The authorities concerned should take steps to stop such acts by the public. I earnestly request that they implement preventive measures or launch public awareness initiatives on this matter.

– Y.S. Ganesh, Mysuru, 30.7.2025

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