Vijayawada: The rail-cum-road-bridge (RCRB) across Godavari River connecting Rajahmundry to Kovvur has completed 50 years of its existence.
The bridge, spread over 4.1 km with 2.8-km single railway line, has a road deck over the rail deck. Its construction began in the early 1970s. On completion, it achieved the record of being Asia’s longest rail-cum-road-bridge. Then President of India Fakhruddin Ai Ahmed inaugurated the bridge in 1974.
At present, both the state government and Indian Railways are taking up restoration of the RCRB by replacing the steel girders supporting the damaged cement-concrete footpath with a new railing and placement of an iron sheet on the footpath. Both AP government and Indian Railways will be sharing the estimated cost of Rs 34 crore for restoring the rail-cum-road-bridge.
Earlier, multi-axle vehicles up to tonnes’ capacity used to be allowed on the RCRB. As the bridge got damaged, movement of heavy vehicles is no longer allowed. Only buses, four wheelers, auto rickshaws and two wheelers can ply on the rail-cum-road-bridge.
As Rajahmundry is going to host the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027, the state government has come up with an action plan to strengthen infrastructure and beautify the city. As the RCRB provides both rail and road connectivity, authorities are strengthening the bridge to withstand the rush of vehicles between Rajahmundry and Kovvur during the Pushkaralu.
Roads and Buildings executive engineer S.B.V. Reddy said, “Restoration works are being taken up at the RCRB by both the AP government and Indian Railways. The bridge has completed 50 years of its existence. As per its design, it is expected to last for 65 years.”
As the model code of conduct (MCC) is in force for MLC polls scheduled on December 5, local authorities have not planned any celebrations to mark the 50 years of the rail-cum-road-bridge.
