After delay in land acquisition, poor allocation of funds by government is aiding in the slow progress of Nagole Bridge widening works on the Uppal – L.B. Nagar crossroads stretch.
The bridge works were commenced in 2008 as part of the road widening works on the Uppal – L.B. Nagar stretch to enable smooth flow of traffic. But due to recurring problems, construction works are taking a setback.
“The total project cost is Rs. 8 crore. Land acquisition is completed but allocation of funds is now a problem. Besides this, technical reasons, including construction of a new pillar and delay in approval of the same are resulting in slow progress of works,” says a senior official from Roads and Buildings Department, which is taking up the works. The 10-km Uppal- L.B. Nagar stretch is replete with residential colonies and private establishments that trade in marble stone. The stretch is a high traffic zone and serves as a main connecting link between Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad and Tarnaka.
This apart, private buses heading towards Vijayawada prefer this stretch but the slow progress of works is irking many motorists, particularly during nights when traffic moves at snail's pace near the bridge.
“The narrow bridge is turning into a bottleneck. Moreover, the demolished railing and protruding iron rods at Uppal-end of the bridge are posing a threat to motorists, especially during rains,” says Narayana, a cab driver.
However, authorities are assuring that the works would be completed soon. The upstream works towards Uppal would be completed by December this year and the other side works would be done by June next year, says the senior official.
