Rs 13.45 crore earmarked to lay 700 metres of road in Krishna district

VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan has ordered erection of the Edurumondi-Gollamanda road that was damaged by recent rain and floods in the Nagayalanka Mandal of Krishna district.

PK who handles the Panchayat Raj and rural development department asked Panchayat Raj engineer-in-chief, Balu Naik, to submit revised estimates for the 700-metre road and to arrange the work at a cost of Rs 13.45 crore.

The money would be arranged from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), said a release issued by DyCM’s office on Tuesday.

Krishna district collector DK Balaji and Balu Naik have prepared the estimates of Rs 13.45 crore for the road from Edurumondi to Gollamanda via Brahmamgari Mula. The road runs adjacent to the Krishna river.

Officials said the road stretch in the coastal area where the river meets the sea is frequently damaged by high-velocity backwaters during cyclones and rains. “The need is to erect a quality road using the RCC porcupine method so that it can withstand the force of the backwaters and avoid future damage,” they said.

They said the 700-metre road would protect 8,000 acres of agricultural fields, safeguard the habitations of 12,000 people from erosion, and prevent seawater from inundating nearby areas.

Pawan Kalyan directed the Krishna collector to submit a status report on the safety measures in place and the carrying capacity of the punts used for transporting people from Etimoga to Edurumondi and other villages in the Diviseema region.

The deputy CM's office would coordinate with the collector to procure suitable punts through CSR funds. Additionally, PK stressed the need for erecting a flyover between Etimoga and Edurumondi and told officials to bring the matter to the notice of the roads and buildings department.