Karnataka - Shimoga   

Demand for new bridge across the Tunga

By Our Special Correspondent

The old bridge across the Tunga in Shimoga.

SHIMOGA, FEB. 7. The pressure for the construction of a new bridge across the Tunga in Shimoga city is mounting as the existing bridge is said to have become weak.

The bridge, one of the oldest in the State, is on the B.H. Road (Bangalore-Honnavar Road) handling heavy vehicular traffic for over 100 years.

Another bridge was constructed in the upstream of the Tunga in the vicinity of the existing bridge when it was found to have become weak and unable to bear the pressure of the increasing vehicular traffic.

Vehicular movement

The movement of heavy vehicles was banned on the old bridge after the new bridge was thrown open to the public, restricting it only for light vehicles. One-way system was introduced making the movement of heavy vehicles proceeding towards Bhadravati on the new bridge compulsory. But the restriction appears to be observed more in breach, as most of the heavy vehicles continue to ply on the old bridge posing a threat to its safety.

The demand for a new bridge is being revived with the Shanataveri Gopalagowda Samajawadi Adhyayana Kendra Trust urging the Government to take it up on priority.

In a press release, its managing trustee Kallur Megharaj and members Kadidal Shamanna, K.M.S. Chandrasekhariah, G.T. Srinivas and Subbaiah said that the construction of a new bridge has become necessary in view of the cracks developing in the existing bridge.

They said that the 127-year-old bridge has outlived its utility. "It can collapse any time unless remedial measures are taken immediately," they said.

They said that the Public Works Department has prepared a plan and estimate involving a cost of Rs. 7.5 crores for the construction of new bridge and submitted it to the Karnataka Road Development Corporation.

They said that they will urge the Minister for Public Works and Energy, H.D. Revanna, to consider the proposal for the construction of a new bridge seriously and arrange for the release of funds.

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