The work on the bridge to provide connectivity to Kukkehalli, Baje Hiriyadka across Swarna river is under progress. The work is taken up by the PWD and Ports and Inland Water Transport department. 
Once the bridge is complete, then it will benefit thousands of villagers from Kukkehalli, Baje, Parika, Bellampalli and so on.
Without the connectivity, the villagers have to travel additional 15 kms. As of now, a few cross the river using traditional boats.
The villagers have been demanding the construction of a bridge. However, it was not materialised. The government gave its nod for the bridge two years ago. The length of the bridge was 93 metres when it was okayed. The estimated cost of the bridge initially was Rs 275 lakh.
The work commenced on January 30, 2012. In fact, it was chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda who laid foundation for the bridge. Owing to technical reasons, the length of the bridge was increased to 116 metres and the cost is likely to be increased to Rs 485 lakh, say sources. The length of the bridge will be 116 metres long, eight metres wide and 12.5 metre high. Two vehicles can move at a time. Using the bridge, the travelling distance will be reduced to four kilometres from the present 15 kms.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon said that owing to lack of bridge, the people were put to hardship. About 60 per cent of the work has been completed.
“The work will be completed before the stipulated time,” he said. Contractor Raghuram Uppangala said the work on the bridge is under progress. “We wanted to complete all the main works before the monsoon. We are sure of completing the work within stipulated time,” he said.
