Aija, Jogulamba Gadwal District – A vital bridge connecting Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka has become dangerously unsafe, putting thousands of daily commuters at serious risk.
The bridge spans the Pedda Vagu stream near Aija Municipality. It has been in poor shape for years, but its condition has now worsened to the point where people fear it could collapse at any time. Only one side of the bridge is still usable, forcing vehicles to move slowly in one direction and causing heavy traffic jams.
Locals say the bridge is no longer safe. Many drivers cross it with hesitation, afraid for their lives. The fear is real—this bridge has seen several accidents in the past, some of them fatal.
Despite repeated complaints, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has not taken any meaningful steps to fix the issue. Residents, along with members of an all-party committee, have organized protests and sit-ins. They’ve demanded immediate repairs or a completely new bridge. Still, no action has followed.
People are frustrated with both ruling and opposition leaders, accusing them of ignoring the problem. The community feels abandoned by those in power, who have failed to respond to their calls for help.
Over the years, different governments have come and gone, but the bridge remains broken. Political rivalries have worsened the situation. One party starts a project, and another stalls it. This has discouraged contractors from accepting work in the area, with many leaving projects incomplete.
The all-party committee is now urging political leaders to put aside their differences and focus on public safety and infrastructure. They’ve already approached the R&B officials and the District Collector, but nothing has changed.
Now, the people of Aija and surrounding villages are making a direct appeal to the District Collector. They want immediate intervention to either repair the bridge or build a new one. This bridge once served as a crucial lifeline between three states. Today, it stands as a tragic symbol of government neglect and political apathy—one that may cost more lives if nothing is done soon.
