Notwithstanding the completion of the Asilmetta flyover in all respects, it’s still not open for public use.
The GVMC has declared, as early as in the first week of August, that the flyover will be thrown to the public for use pending a formal inauguration.
Later, Minister for Infrastructure Ganta Srinivasa Rao also announced that it would be inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
The flyover, the completion of which took nearly five years, was constructed at a cost of Rs.90 crore, including the subway.
Municipal Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana told reporters on Tuesday that a team of Andhra University engineering officials examined the flyover and expressed satisfaction over its quality, barring two issues on which monitoring was required.
One was a crack in the approach road on the railway station side. The crack has developed owing to improper layering. Layers have to be laid at regular intervals, allowing for consolidation. Apparently, it has not been followed.
Mr. Satyanarayana said the layers at that spot had to be redone.
Also, the sidewalls have to be monitored and strengthened, if necessary. For five to six months, it has to be monitored. The contractual mandate is for maintenance for two years.
Mr. Satyanarayana said any public utility could be thrown open to the public and a formal inauguration taken up later.
The issue was raised by Visakhapatnam North MLA Tynala Vijay Kumar, who is a member of the State-level Committee on JNNURM.
Officials in the Chief Minister’s peshi assured that he would take the first opportunity to inaugurate the flyover. However, it now appears a little doubtful in view of the ongoing Samaikyandhra agitation.
Mr. Satyanarayana said a decision on the flyover would be taken in one or two days after discussions with the engineering officials.
