High-level bridge under construction to end monsoon woes in Mahabubabad

Metro India News | MAHABUBABAD 

Construction of a new high-level bridge over the Vatteru stream, located on the border of Gudur and Kesamudram mandals in Mahabubabad district, is progressing steadily. The project is expected to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing transportation disruptions caused by seasonal flooding during the monsoon. A low-level bridge was constructed across the Vatteru stream in 1977 by the then government. However, every monsoon, floodwaters rise to nearly four feet above the bridge, rendering it impassable for several days and severely affecting connectivity between Gudur and Kesamudram mandals.

The recurring floods have left villages such as Katrapalli and Arpanpalli in Kesamudram mandal, and Nagaram in Gudur mandal, temporarily cut off from the rest of the district. Residents have frequently faced hardships due to the disruption of essential services, while several people have reportedly lost their lives over the years after being swept away while attempting to cross the flooded stream. The situation has also required the deployment of police and revenue officials every monsoon to regulate movement and ensure public safety.

Authorities were compelled to make advance arrangements, including the pre-distribution of ration supplies and other essential commodities to the affected villages in anticipation of prolonged isolation. The project gained momentum after former MLA and Rajya Sabha member V. Narender Reddy facilitated the sanction of Rs 50 crore for the construction of the high-level bridge and the widening of the Kesamudram–Gudur Roads and Buildings (R&B) road. Construction of the high-level bridge near Arpanpalli commenced recently, and officials said significant progress has already been made.

Pillar construction has been completed up to the slab level on several sections, while work on the remaining pillars is underway. Once the remaining foundation work is completed, the bridge deck is expected to be laid in the coming weeks. The new bridge is being built approximately six feet higher than the existing low-level bridge to withstand future flooding. Officials said the design takes into account the increasing intensity of monsoon rainfall in recent years, with the objective of ensuring uninterrupted transportation even during periods of heavy rain.