Deep depression damages 613 km of roads across Andhra Pradesh

Heavy rains triggered by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal have damaged 613 km of roads across Andhra Pradesh, with Srikakulam accounting for 356 km. The Roads and Buildings Department has deployed control rooms, personnel and equipment for restoration

Amaravati: Heavy rains triggered by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal have damaged 613 km of roads across Andhra Pradesh, State Minister for Roads and Buildings B C Janardhan Reddy said on Thursday.

With heavy rain continuing to lash coastal Andhra even after the deep depression crossed the coast late on Wednesday night, the minister directed Roads and Buildings Department officials to remain on high alert.

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After reviewing the situation with officials, Janardhan Reddy said 613 km of R&B roads across the state had sustained damage as of 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Srikakulam district accounted for the highest infrastructure damage, with 356 km of roads affected.

The deep depression caused road damage in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari, Anantapur, Kurnool and Nandyal districts.

Roads were washed away at four locations across the state following the formation of deep craters.

Cross-drainage works were damaged at 78 locations, with restoration work already undertaken at 37 sites, the minister said.

Trees fell on roads at 11 locations and have been completely cleared to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles, he said.

Heavy rains also caused traffic disruptions at 23 locations, of which congestion had been cleared at 14 spots, according to the minister.

The government estimates that around Rs 26.95 crore will be required for temporary repairs and Rs 224.73 crore for permanent restoration of the rain-damaged roads.

The R&B Department has established 78 control rooms across the state and appointed nodal officers.

“We are continuously assessing ground-level conditions by holding 36 joint coordination meetings with departments affiliated with the R&B wing. We have set up toll-free services in major corporations to provide round-the-clock assistance,” Janardhan Reddy said.

The department has identified 614 locations across the state as vulnerable or accident-prone areas.

It has kept 550 JCB machines and 596 power saws ready to clear obstructions, including fallen trees and landslides, from roads.

The minister said personnel and necessary equipment had also been kept ready for emergency relief operations.