A bridge for Konaseema

Ch. R. S. Sarma

YANAM (Pondicherry) in the Konaseema region of East Godavari district, despite its agricultural and tourism potential, remains neglected as there is no rail link to it and the road network is not well developed. Connecting Yanam by road or rail would entail the construction of several expensive bridges across the Godavari. However, the Railway Ministry has taken up the revival of the Kakinada-Kotipalli line and is laying a new line from Kotipalli in East Godavari to Narasapur in West Godavari, right through Konaseema. When complete, this project could fulfil Konaseemas long-felt need for a rail route.

However, the projects completion is a long way off. Road bridges across the Godavari, to connect the Konaseema area, are also under construction, One such bridge, between Yanam (Pondicherry) and Edurlanka in Konaseema, is being built on National Highway 214, involving a capital outlay of Rs 110 crore and is scheduled to be complete by September 2002. It will bring Amalapuram, the regions main town, closer to Yanam and the district headquarters town of Kakinada.

The 1.8-km-long bridge would have 40 spans of 45 metres each and the maximum water depth would be 12 metres. Of the Rs 110 crore, ONGC will contribute Rs 16 crore, farmers Rs 10 crore, the marketyards Rs 10 crore, the Ministry of Surface Transport Rs 10 crore, the Central Road Fund Rs 14.5 crore, the Gas Authority of India Limited Rs 4 crore and the Government of Pondicherry Rs 4.5 crore. The rest would have to be put in by the contractor and recouped through toll collections over 15 years.

ONGCs large contribution is in response to the criticism that the company has exploited Konaseemas gas and oil reserves, ruining the areas bridges and roads with its heavy vehicles, and not contributing enough for the areas development.

The sanction for the Yanam-Edurlanka inter-State bridge and the fast pace at which it is being built is largely due to the efforts of Mr G. M. C Balayogi, the Lok Sabha Speaker, who represents Amalapuram constituency. According to Mr K. Jagadiswara Rao, Deputy General Manager, Navayuga Engineering Co, which is executing the project, the bridge across the Gautami Godavari was taken up on a BOT basis and would be completed on time.

The piling has been completed and the work on the superstructure has begun. A specially constructed girder- launching barge has been at work since November 19. Pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete twin-box girders are being used in the bridges construction, he said.

Picture: The Jacob platform in the Godavari Delta from which pile-driving for the construction of the Yanam-Edurlanka bridge is in progress. The bridge is expected to spur development in the Konaseema region.