New road over bridge hits roadblock in Kazipet

​Kazipet: Decades have elapsed; however, denizens’ dream for the expansion of the road over bridge (RoB) at Fathima Nagar, where traffic gridlock is a common sight, remained a mirage. It is no exaggeration to say that the traffic logjam on the existing RoB has become part and parcel of life for those regularly commuting between Hanamkonda and Kazipet.

The 60-feet width and one kilometer length RoB constructed across the Kazipet-Balharsha railway line in mid-1970s is the only link that connects Hanamkonda-Kazipet. A quantum leap in number of vehicles in the tri-cities of Warangal-Hanamkonda-Kazipet for the last couple decades has made life miserable. 

In addition to this, the ever-increasing number of heavy vehicles passing through the National Highway-163 (Hyderabad-Bhopalapatnam) especially since the construction of a high-level bridge across the Godavari between Mullakatta and Pusuru in Bhupalpally district has also compounded the problem. 

To address this perennial problem, the State government has accorded Rs 78 crore administrative sanctions for the construction of another RoB parallel to the existing one. The authorities who proposed to construct the new one on the left side (Hanamkonda to Kazipet) of the existing one, needed to acquire little over 2 acres of land belonging to a Christian Missionary Institution and Railways.

Following this, the authorities prepared a detailed project. It was decided to construct a Bowstring bridge that likely to enhance the heritage ambience of the historic town. It may be noted here that Bowstring bridge resembles a bow with a series of arches or a single arch at the top along the span of the bridge.

Against this backdrop, the authorities called for tenders for the construction of Bowstring bridge. The authorities cancelled the tenders with just one construction company bidding for it. Thereafter, the administration called for tenders two more times.

Speaking to The Hans India, the Executive Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Banoth Laxman said: “We have called for tenders thrice but to no avail. Efforts are on to call for bids again. We have sent proposals to the administration for the land acquisition.” Warangal West MLA Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar said: “Efforts are on to complete the works on fast track. 

However, there is a bit of problem in acquiring land from the Railways, it will be sorted out soon with the help the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.” Mamidala Ramchander of Kazipet, who regularly commutes between Kazipet and Hanamkonda, said that traffic snarls on the existing bridge is very common. The only other route we have is to take Kadipikonda flyover, Bhattupally, Rangleela Maidan and Hunter road to reach Hanamkonda, which is about 20 kms roundabout.”