Srikakulam: Road overbridge remains incomplete even after seven years

Srikakulam: A road overbridge across Nagavali river between Kimmi and Rishingi villages under Vangara and Veeragattam mandals still remains incomplete even seven years after the works on the project began.

Works on the project is going at a snail's pace. In 2012 state government gave approved for the bridge when Y S Rajasekhara Reddy was Chief Minister. The government-sanctioned the project following the representation by the then Minister for Roads and Buildings D Prasada Rao.

Initially estimated cost of the bridge was Rs 29 crore and works started. After death of YSR the works on the project failed to progress. Alleged irregularities in the design of the bridge were made. Subsequently the then Chief Ministers K.Rosaiah and N Kiran Kumar Reddy received a number of representations.

After bifurcation of the State the TDP government also sanctioned funds for the bridge and set target for its completion by July 30, 2016. But there was no progress.

As a result of delay, residents of more than 20 villages in Vangara, Veeragattam and Regidi mandals have been facing trouble to reach nearest towns Rajam and Palakonda.

"Bridge works have been delayed due to change of design, at present we are unable to start works due to floods in the river" said JEE of roads and buildings department V Nagabhushanam explained.