Karimnagar’s cable bridge lies in neglect

The 500 metre cable-stayed bridge was installed spending Rs 184 crore to develop the Manair river area as a tourist spot

KARIMNAGAR: The Karimnagar cable-stayed bridge has lost its charm due to lack of maintenance. Several stretches of the bridge have become dirty with neither government departments nor the construction company taking the responsibility of maintenance.

Damaged electric poles lie as they are, with no one ready to repair them. Taking advantage of the situation, boozers have made the bridge and its surroundings a liquor adda as well.

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As of all these were not enough, the dynamic lighting system, which was the main attraction for the entire cable bridge, has gone dark, disappointing the local people and tourists. Installed at a cost of Rs 8 crore, the lighting system as well as the two big screens are not working.

In order to develop the Manair river area as a tourist spot, the cable bridge was constructed across the river Manair on the outskirts of Karimnagar town. The 500 metre cable-stayed bridge was installed spending Rs 184 crore.

On June 23, 2023, the bridge was inaugurated on a grand scale and every week, cultural programmes were conducted in the name of ‘Masti’ for one month. Every day, people from Karimnagar town as well as surrounding villages and towns used to visit the bridge in the evenings and enjoy the light system as well.

However, in June 2024, the road laid on the main bridge was damaged due to rains. The BT layer, which was removed at that time in the name of repairs, has not been replaced yet. Out of 25 modern electricity poles, several are damaged.

Both the Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar and the Road and Buildings department have washed their hands off the bridge, which is now waiting for either the construction company or the government to come forward and save it.