Fund crunch hits construction of bridge across Gundi, sanctioned in 2007 in Asifabad

The bridge was to be constructed at a cost of Rs 8.50 crore with financial help from NABARD and the works had begun way back in 2007

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Work on a high-level bridge across Peddavagu rivulet at Gundi village in Asifabad mandal continues to drag for a record period of 18 years. The bridge was to be constructed at a cost of Rs 8.50 crore with financial help from NABARD and the works had begun way back in 2007. The project completion date was set to be December, 2010, which were extended multiple times. However, the bridge is yet to be completed thanks to fund crunch and flaws in design.

The inordinate delay in work completion is causing hardships to not only residents of Gundi, but in nine neighbouring villages of both Asifabad and Wankidi mandals to cross the stream using country boats in every monsoon, risking their lives. Some of the affected villages included Chorpalli, Bheempur, Thattuguda, Dubbaguda, Komatiguda, Sankepalli, Komatiguda of Asifabad and Khanargaon, Chalaplaguda and Dubbuguda.

The construction, however, was stalled due to reasons unknown, forcing the authorities concerned to extend the deadline till 2012. The bridge design was altered and the cost of the bridge was enhanced by Rs 3.85 crore in the same year. The cost escalated to Rs 6.13 crore in successive years. Despite that, the contractor had stopped the works in 2016. Again funds to the tune of Rs 8.13 crore were earmarked for the restart of the works in 2020.

Barely, four pillars were constructed as against the total of seven till 2020. Many other works were pending. A sum of Rs 3.91 crore was spent, according to authorities of the Panchayat Raj department. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had also expressed displeasure over the lethargy in execution of the works, which were scheduled to be completed by June 2020.

Severe shortage of labor, caused by Covid-19 pandemic, was one of the factors that hindered the work. Proposals were sent to higher authorities seeking their nod to reinvite tenders for the works in 2022. However, the design was once again changed in 2024, following outcry of locals. The estimated cost of the facility was enhanced to Rs 14.40 crore. Accordingly, works were resumed.

“The sluggish progress of the work is causing inconvenience to villagers of Gundi and surrounding villages. Residents are required to take the Wankidi-Khanargaon route to reach Asifabad for various needs including medical emergencies and if Peddavagu is flooded by rainwaters in monsoon,” Kiran, a local youngster said.

When asked, Panchayat Raj department’s executive engineer Prabhakar said that steps were being taken to expedite the work on the bridge and to avoid inconvenience to villagers. elven columns were built so far. slabs are yet to be constructed. Bills worth 6.5 crore was still pending, hitting progress on the work on the bridge.