The bridge near Alankar Centre is caving in posing a danger to pedestrians. But, neither the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) nor Roads and Building (R&B) department has taken initiative to avert the imminent danger.
The problem was highlighted in these columns in March. But, there is no response either from VMC or from the R&B. The footpaths of the bridge have almost collapsed, and there are no proper railings as well. Still, the pedestrians are seen using the bridge as there are no sign boards. Neither, they have alternative. As the bridge is used to reach railway station and further, the volume of traffic is high. When the signal is red three to four buses have to stop on the bridge making the hearts of those in buses and on the bridge race.
The bridge has become a bone of contention between the R&B and VMC in the city. The R&B officials washed off their hands saying that the bridge did not figure in their list. The VMC officials shed the responsibility saying “as it was old construction, the experts would have to suggest remedial measures to refurbish it.”
Temporary measures
The VMC took some temporary measures to protect the footpath but in vain. The footpaths have bent completely depicting gloomy side of the administration. The corporation officials claimed that the matter had been brought to the notice of the R&B, but they (R&B officials) replied saying that the bridge was not on their list. Two of the 10 girders have become bent and are not in contact with the concrete work of the bridge. The R&B officials, however, said they hadn't received any communication from the corporation. More so, the R&B was not maintaining the bridge, they said.
There are two bridges, including one constructed during British rule, near Alankar Centre on Ryve's Canal. While the people are expressing fears over the safety of the bridge, neither the VMC nor R&B is willing to own the bridge that has outlived its life.
