VIJAYAWADA: Efforts have begun for construction of a tunnel connecting Indrakeeladri, the abode of goddess Kanakadurga, to Head Water Works at the feet of the hillock.

A technical committee consisting of engineer-in-chief of the Roads and Buildings Department, advisor to the Endowments Department and retired chief engineer of Panchayat Raj Department is meeting in Hyderabad on May 3 to finalise the plans for the tunnel.

The committee will also approve works to prevent rockslides, widening of the ghat-road and construction of an amenities complex for pilgrims. Once approved by this high-power committee, tenders will be invited for completion of the works, which have actually been pending for long.

A team of experts from Geological Survey of India (GSI) visited the temple last year and conducted a survey to explore the possibility of widening the ghat road. It submitted a report to temple authorities, suggesting construction of a tunnel from Head Water Works to Pongal shed near Om Circle on the hillock.

The proposed tunnel, which will be some 400 metres long, is meant to be used by pedestrians as well as vehicles. It is estimated to cost some Rs. 4 crores. "The tunnel will be an additional route to reach the temple and will reduce the load of traffic on the ghat road. Once the plans are approved, civil works will be launched in three months," says devasthanam Executive Officer E. Gopalakrishna Reddy.

GSI suggestion

For widening of ghat road, the GSI team suggested removal of rocks at three points. Hydraulic pumping of cement concrete mixture on loose boulders was advised to prevent rockslides. While the devasthanam will have to spend Rs. 3 crores for this project, widening of the ghat road is expected to cost some Rs. 2.5 crores. Construction of an amenities complex for pilgrims will run up to Rs. 9 crores.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail