Durgam bridge misses yet another deadline

Gachibowli: By October-end, Durgam Cheruvu suspension bridge would be thrown open to public. But going by the way the things stand, in all probability, people looking to use the bridge will have to wait for a few more months.

This is the third time that the inauguration of the bridge has been deferred. Venkataramana, Superintendent Engineer, GHMC, said, "Due to heavy rains and inclement weather, construction work is delayed. Civil works shall conclude by December. 70 per cent of electrical and cable works have been completed. Everyone involved in the project is eager to complete it as soon as possible."

Once completed, the distance from Jubilee Hills to Mind Space & Gachibowli would be reduced by 2 km, by avoiding the busy Madhapur road. The Rs 187 crore project on the 764-metre suspension bridge started in 2017. The foundation was laid on April 26, 2017 and the works were supposed to be concluded in 18 months.

"There are around 26 cables that need to be installed on the bridge and 13 out of 13 are erected on pylon P1, and 6 stay cables out of 13 are erected on pylon P2. We are expecting this work to be completed in a few days.

On the main bridge, 52 number of segments are cast and only one segment is yet to be finished at Durgam Cheruvu casting yard, out of 53 number of segments. Cable consignment is meanwhile ready at Kondapur casting yard, " he added.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and L&T are undertaking the prestigious project. "The delay of construction works of the bridge is impacting development works of the lake. The lake development works were handed over to Raheja under CSR activities.

Phase-I works including walking bay, play area, out-door gym have been completed and the Phase-II works such as cycle track and greenery around the lake are yet to be completed. The works can be executed once the bridge is completed," said Rajender, an official of GHMC.