Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)

Udupi, Jan 4: The snail’s pace at which work on construction of the much-awaited Bennekudru–Moodahadu bridge is going on has caused hardships to the local people.

Work on the bridge was begun by the Public Works Department (PWD) in November 2010 with the aid of union rural funds at a cost of Rs 1.96 crore, and work upto Rs 1.70 crore has already been completed.

The bridge when completed will benefit people residing in the neighbouring villages of Saligrama, Sastan, and Barkoor, by helping them go to Bennekudru. In the absence of a bridge, they have to cover nearly 12 kms through a roundabout route to reach Bennekudru via Moodahadavu.

“If work is carried on quickly, the bridge will be ready for commissioning and open for traffic,” said Bennekudru resident Shiva Poojary.
“Although work worth Rs 1.70 crore has been already completed, funds have not been released by the concerned authorities. Work will begin and be completed in a month provided the authorities release the funds at the earliest,” said contractor Sayyed Ismail.

“I am aware of the seriousness of people’s hardships in the absence of a bridge.  Work on the bridge will be completed by the monsoon season,” said MLA K Raghupati Bhat.