Residents of around 25 villages in Maddur taluk are a happy lot. At long last, a new bridge will be built across the Shimsha at Vaidyanatharapura in the taluk.
The Public Works Department had sanctioned Rs. 17 crore for the project and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would soon launch work on the bridge, Ramya, Mandya MP, told The Hindu here on Thursday.
A section of the old bridge collapsed around four years ago but residents had no choice but to use it to cross the river. Now, the old bridge will be demolished to make way for the new bridge.
The bridge at Vaidyanathapura connected 25 villages, including Alooru Doddi, Alooru, Budu Guppe, Neelakantanahalli, Kabbare, Kinchaganahalli, Hagalahalli, Kabbanahalli, Rajegowdana Doddi, Honnalagere, Bheemana Kere, Belluru and Hulikere. Residents of these villages, on either side of the bridge, have been inconvenienced since the bridge was damaged. While pedestrians and motorcyclists use a temporary structure across the bridge, those driving bullock carts and vehicles have to travel an additional 10 km to reach Maddur or villages in the vicinity of Alooru Doddi.
Ms. Ramya said that the residents had submitted a memorandum seeking construction of a new bridge, while she was touring Maddur taluk last month. Later, she had visited the village and inspected the damaged bridge.
“I forwarded the memorandum to the departments concerned. PWD Minister H.C. Mahadevappa sanctioned the funds to construct the new bridge,” Ms. Ramya said.
Mr. Mahadevappa and Ms. Ramya held discussions with PWD officials. The officials are corresponding with the Chief Minister’s Office to fix a date for the foundation stone laying ceremony.
The construction work would be carried out on a war-footing, Ms. Ramya said.
Residents said that once the new bridge was built it would lessen their worries, especially during medical emergencies, in addition to saving time.
