MADIKERI: The much-delayed project of Bhagamandala flyover finally witnesses completion. The flyover, among the first one in Kodagu district, will likely be inaugurated after the withdrawal of the election code of conduct.
With an aim to end the monsoon woes across the temple town of Bhagamandala, a flyover cum bridge was sanctioned in 2018. Rs 28 crore was released for the project that promised completion in 2020. However, after much delays and protests, the flyover has now recorded completion and has become the first flyover in the district.
“Rs 28 crore was sanctioned for the project and the work was undertaken in five phases,” confirmed Harinarayan, the project manager of the flyover. He explained that they could work on the project only for six to seven months in a year due to increased rainfall during the other months.
“The project also recorded delays due to the pandemic situation that went on for nearly two years. Nevertheless, every work stands completed now. We are enabling power connection to electric poles and are testing the same,” he confirmed.
The 880 meter long flyover was sanctioned to the temple town after Bhagamandala and surrounding villages including Cherangala, Korangala, Talacauvery and Ayyengeri became inaccessible due to floods from River Cauvery during the monsoon season. Boats and rafts took over the town during monsoons, urging the government to sanction a flyover project.
“We feared that the project work will never be completed. However, it now stands tall and the residents can now breathe a sigh of relief during monsoons,” shared Yogesh, a resident of Bhagamandala. The flyover has been equipped with a nominal drainage system and heavy vehicles carrying up to 80 tonnes are allowed on the road.