Minister assures completion of bridge over Vamsadhara River

In the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday, Roads and Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy provided detailed responses regarding the ongoing construction of a high-level bridge over the Vamsadhara River in Polaki Mandal of Srikakulam district. The bridge, connecting Vanithamandalam village to the tourist destination of Salihundam, is expected to significantly enhance coastal connectivity, road integration, and tourism development in the region. 

The project, valued at Rs. 72 crore, was awarded to M/s. Kantech Syndicate Private Limited on January 12, 2017. As of now, works worth Rs. 43.20 crore—representing 63% of the total—have been completed. The minister highlighted that additional payments totaling Rs. 77.74 lakh are required for land acquisition (Rs. 13.12 lakh) and compensation to various government departments (Rs. 64.62 lakh). The process to release these funds is actively underway to expedite the remaining construction.

Responding to a question from Narasannapeta MLA Baggu Ramanamurthy during the question hour, Minister Janardhan Reddy outlined steps being taken to ensure swift completion. He committed that the bridge would be fully finished by December this year. "With the payment of this modest amount, we will accelerate the works and complete the bridge," he stated, emphasizing the coalition government's determination to resolve such stalled projects. 

Once operational, the high-level bridge is poised to improve linkages along the coastal corridor, facilitate better road connectivity, and boost tourism to Salihundam—an area known for its historical Buddhist significance and scenic river views. This infrastructure upgrade aligns with the government's broader efforts to revive and complete pending projects, addressing long-standing connectivity issues in rural and coastal areas of Srikakulam district.