Delay in Construction of Footbridge Hits Denizens.

The denizens of Srikakulam are facing a harrowing time with the undue delay in the construction of the new footbridge over the Nagavali River, which began in November last year. The old bridge, constructed in December 2013, was washed away in floods last year.

The work for the construction of the new footbridge across the river in the district began after demolishing the 150-year-old bridge. Meanwhile, a footbridge was constructed with an expenditure of Rs. 22 lakh in December 2013, keeping in view the difficulties faced by the commoners while crossing the old bridge, which was parallel to the latter. Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders were happy using the footbridge as it helped them escape the traffic snarls and reach their destination in time.

Meanwhile, torrential rains triggered floods during the last monsoon and the commuters had a hell of a time in the last eight months. Since the water receded in the Nagavali River from November last year, the people had been agitating for reconstruction of the new footbridge. Considering the demand, MLA Gunda Lakshmidevi visited the area and took up the issue with the authorities. The officials concerned also responded quickly by forwarding the proposals to grant Rs. 9 lakh to construct the footbridge.

But, the construction has been delayed and the denizens are put to untold miseries. The people from Seven-Roads Junction to Gujaratipeta continue to bear the brunt. The people of 38 villages used to cross the old bridge to reach Srikakulam along with the people of five wards in the municipality on the Gujaratipeta side. Construction of the new bridge was undertaken in view of the future needs, but in the process, it brought difficulties to the commuters.

R Ramarao, a mechanic from Gujaratipeta, said that the problems have compounded with the washing away of the footbridge. The construction of the footbridge began in December, but it is yet to be completed, he lamented.

S Apparao from Kongaram averred that they are being put to untold miseries. The old bridge was a shortcut to reach the town and used to take minimum time. After the old bridge was demolished, they have to take detour to reach the town. Our difficulties began when the footbridge was washed away. Without footbridge our difficulties have compounded, he added.

The commuters had been facing a harrowing time to cross the bridge between Dattatreya Temple and Day-and-Night Junction to reach the town. Autos have become the main mode of transportation and they charge at least Rs. 30 to commute passengers to the district headquarters. The two-wheelers guzzle fuel and peddlers and pedestrians need a lot of physical energy to reach their destinations. The people would have to put up with the difficulties till the new bridge is ready.

When contacted, JE Yogeswara Rao said that works on the footbridge have already begun. The delay was caused by the increase in water level during monsoon. However, we will complete the footbridge at the earliest, he said.


THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS