A new bridge over the Godavari River in Bhadrachalam has been causing problems for the people even though it is now open for use. The bridge was inaugurated in April during Sri Rama Navami, but its construction is not yet complete.
The bridge was opened to the public without a formal ceremony due to election restrictions, allowing traffic to flow over it once the bitumen layer was laid. However, the construction of the bridge began nine years ago and is still unfinished because the construction company went over budget and couldn’t finish the work.
Despite being in use for two months, the side railings and walkways on the bridge are still incomplete, causing safety concerns and annoyance for commuters. Residents are frustrated with the delay in completing the railing construction, especially with the arrival of the monsoon season.
The National Highways Authority of India granted extensions to the contracting agency to finish the project on time, but residents are unhappy with the delays and careless attitude of officials. The bridge connects Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, and is used by hundreds of cars daily, helping to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
