Uppuguda RuB opened for Bonalu procession

Uppuguda: The GHMC made temporary arrangements at Uppuguda RuB (Railway under Bridge) for Bonalu procession to pass without a hitch. For the past four years, women coming from Bhoiguda Chatrinaka temple to Mahankali Temple located in Uppuguda were forced to walk extra 2 km to reach the temple.  According to officials, the work of this RuB which is about 600 - 700 meter was started in 2014.  

After the completion of works under Railway department the remaining works were handed over to GHMC in 2016. In 2017 the amount of Rs 9 crore was sanctioned and the works resumed. However, there was a slow-down in the works due to underground water lines, cables and drainage system which were re-arranged, and the total works were likely to be completed by December. Despite these impediments, the GHMC has decided to open the pathway to provide some relief for pedestrians during the procession. 

“The temporary pathway work is completed to help commuters during this Bonalu season and we have decided to give them permission during this festive season and to provide smooth passage to procession,” said Dattupant, GHMC superintendent engineer, south zone, projects department.

K Durgesh, a resident, said that there was a Uppuguda railway gate near the track and about 5 years back the work of RuB begun, and the railway gate was closed. The residents hoped early completion of the bridge, but they continue to take a longer path 2 kms to reach the other side of the track. During Bonalu festival scores of women coming from Bhoiguda Chatrinaka temple to Mahankali Temple located in Uppuguda have been walking 2 kms more for the past 4 years. 

“Following demand and protest from locals to complete the RuB works, the GHMC has come up with temporary arrangements during this year’s Bonalu festivities,” added Durgesh. It may be mentioned here that the RuB work has been pending since last four years and the residents and commuters were suffering a lot for the delay in completion of work.