The roads were dug nearly a year and half ago for laying Piped Natural Gas (PNG) pipelines at various locations in the city.
They have not been re-laid so far. The prime reason is the dispute between the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and the Bhagyanagar Gas Limited, which is laying the pipelines.
The bone of contention is road restoration charge. As the matter could not be resolved amicably, the district Collector has asked the Roads and Buildings Executive Engineer to work out the road restoration charge and submit a report to him.
VMC officials say that the problem is due to the diameter of the pipes.
Collector's directive
When the BGL sought permission, it was thought they would lay cable-sized pipes. The corporation calculated the road restoration charge as Rs.2,500 per metre. Later, it was found that the BGL was making ducts on the road. So, the charges were pegged at Rs.4,500 per metre. The BGL did not agree to the charge. To resolve the issue, the Collector asked the R&B EE to calculate the restoration charge as a third party estimate.
According to information, the corporation had given permission to the BGL to lay pipelines during the fag end of 2010 with a condition that works should be completed in 45 days. The VMC gave permission to lay pipes in a stretch of 23 km.
The works that commenced in 2011 could not be completed for various reasons, including police restrictions and working hours. The corporation slapped a fine of Rs.2 lakh on the BGL for violation of the agreement.
The VMC has invited tenders for restoration of roads in Circle-I and the works would be taken up shortly. For roads in Circle III, the VMC has decided not to collect the restoration charges. Instead, it has asked the BGL to restore the roads, officials say.
