Siddapura villagers wait for new bridge to open

A new bridge constructed at a cost of Rs 80 lakh in 2017 has not been inaugurated so far.

Though the construction of the bridge was completed two years ago, locals have been forced to use the old narrow bridge.

The main road connecting Ammatti and Kannangala villages had a narrow bridge at Kommettodu which witnessed accidents at frequent intervals. The narrow bridge was not able to accommodate buses and other vehicles.

On behalf of the Public Works Department and Port and Inland Water Transport Departments, NABARD had proposed to construct a bridge at the foot of Ammatti-Moornadu Road.

Funds to the tune of Rs 80 lakh were released in 2015. Later in 2016, a Mysuru based contractor took over the project and completed the construction of the 15-foot wide bridge in 2017.

But due to delay in the construction of the road leading to the bridge, commuters were forced to use the old bridge.

Old bridge in shambles

The old bridge is in shambles and looks like it will collapse at any moment.

No two vehicles can cross the bridge simultaneously.

Sahadeva, a villager of Ammatti - Ontiangadi said that the public is in no way benefited from the new bridge.

Assistant Executive Engineer Yatheesh said that the bridge was constructed according to the plan of NABARD. We will complete construction of the road leading to the new bridge this year, he assured.