The State government had ambitious plans to complete the Kanaka Durga flyover before Krishna pushkarams last year. But the deadlines kept changing following tardy progress in the construction. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had set August this year as fresh deadline at a review meeting. Now, in view of the practical problems, the contractor has been given time till October.
The flyover, as per the original schedule is supposed to be completed by December last. But only 40% of work had been completed so far. The government gave a year’s time for the contractor to construct the flyover. The government extended time till December this year taking the technical issues into consideration.
The work is going on at a snail’s pace for various reasons. Primarily it is due to inadequate work force and prefabricated structures. Soma Constructions, which bagged the contract, is supposed to do casting of 5 to 6 spines (a spine on the pier holds left and right wings) every day. The firm could cast about 100 spines though 400 spines were required in the flyover.
Another 11 pillars have to be constructed before July. The firm could construct 23 pillars so far. The contractor is using semi-automated technology in erection. The R&B officials suggested going for fully automated technology so that work progresses on planned lines.
When contacted, Special Chief Secretary (Roads and Buildings) Sumita Dawra said a roadmap was given to the contractor.
The works were behind the schedule primarily due to inadequate work force. Technical challenges such as curves in the design were also a hitch, she said.
“Also, our focus is on quality of the work. We cannot compromise on the safety aspect.”
The six-lane flyover, being built at a cost of ₹ 447 crore, starts at Kummaripalem and ends at the Rajiv Gandhi Municipal Park. Completion of the flyover by forthcoming Dasara is crucial since heavy influx of pilgrims will choke the route. The project design includes two vehicular underpasses and a pedestrian underpass, besides a subway in front of the Durga Ghat. The government spent about ₹ 160 crore so far.
R&B Engineer in Chief P. Subbaraya Sarma said a walking path from Kummaripalem to the temple entrance would be constructed for the convenience of devotees. A retaining wall would also be constructed near Indrakeeladri, he said.
Ms. Sumita Dawra and R&B officials inspected the ongoing work on Wednesday.
