Police Foil Maha Dharna Over Gunadala Flyover Pending Since 14 Years

Vijayawada: Police on Thursday foiled protest by left leaders who are seeking completion of the Gunadala flyover on outskirts of Vijayawada city, which has been pending for the past 14 years and eight months.

The Maha Dharna had been organised by Gunadala Flyover Sadhana Committee led by CPM state secretariat Member Ch. Babu Rao.

Police swung into action and promptly arrested left leaders, including Babu Rao, who had assembled for the protest.

People of the area expressed anger over the arrests. They asked how the state government can keep construction of a vital bridge incomplete not for one or two but 14 years. A large number of locals had gathered to participate in the Maha Dharna and bring the matter to the attention of the state government.

Babu Rao alleged that Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu is not taking the flyover issue seriously. He warned that if the government does not respond and complete the flyover, local people would organise a major agitation along with the help of public associations and political parties.

Local people are facing severe hardships, as they have to cross three bridges constructed on Budameru, Eluru and Ryves canals, apart from the Vijayawada-Gudivada railway track. People have been urging successive governments before the division of the state for construction of the flyover. But none has bothered so far.