One year since foundation, work on Rallavagu bridge yet to start in Telangana’s Mancherial

A cause-way built across the stream was constructed in 2005 spending Rs 80 lakh. It was caved in due to floods in 2020, necessitating the bridge

Mancherial: Work on a high-level bridge across Rallavagu has not been begun even as it has been a year since laying of foundation to the project in March.

A cause-way built across the stream was constructed in 2005 spending Rs 80 lakh. It was caved in due to floods in 2020, necessitating the bridge.

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Consequently, people of Rangapet, Andallamma Colony and Power House Colony were forced to take Old Mancherial road to reach Mancherial town for various needs including medical emergencies every day. It was temporarily repaired by filling earth, enabling people to cross the stream. However, heavy vehicles were not allowed on the cause-way.

Only two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws are permitted to use it. The causeway was submerged by the floods due to heavy rains in 2021 and 2022, affecting traffic on the route.

Mancherial MLA K Premsagar Rao laid the foundation stone for the bridge, granted at an estimated cost of Rs 13.50 crore, on March 10 of 2024. The funds were sanctioned by Telangana Urban Finance Infrastructure and Development Corporation (TUFIDC) for the 200 metres-long bridge. However, the work on the bridge was not commenced due to reasons unknown. People expressed displeasure over delay in beginning the work on the facility.

“We expected the bridge would end our woes in crossing the stream and spur growth of Rangapet and neighbouring areas. But it has been a year since laying of foundation stone for the facility. The work sees no headway so far. We will continue to face hardships in reaching the district headquarters in this monsoon every day,” Kumara Swamy, a resident of Rangapet rued.

Officials of Mancherial municipal corporation were not available for a comment.