Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Mannikeri has directed officials and the contractor to complete the construction of the long-pending railway overbridge at Ananthashayanagudi railway crossing on Hampi Road by the end of August and open it up to the public after rectifying all deficiencies in the project.

Chairing an emergency review meeting on the progress of the overbridge work at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday (June 2), Ms. Mannikeri expressed strong dissatisfaction over the slow pace of construction despite all major hurdles having already been crossed by the district administration.

She said issues relating to land acquisition, release of funds and technical obstacles, which had delayed the project in the past, had been resolved, paving the way for smooth execution of the work. However, the project continued to progress at a snail’s pace, drawing criticism from the public as well as local elected representatives, she noted.

Describing Hampi Road as one of Hosapete’s key arterial roads, the Deputy Commissioner said thousands of commuters and motorists were being forced to endure severe traffic congestion every day because the overbridge work remained incomplete near the railway gate.

Ms. Mannikeri warned that no further excuses for delay would be entertained and instructed the authorities concerned to immediately rectify minor shortcomings and expedite the remaining work. She also sought a comprehensive report on the progress achieved by the end of June and the development works carried out during the month.

The Deputy Commissioner directed that, apart from the main overbridge, the service road essential for smooth vehicular movement should also be completed and opened for public use within the August deadline. At the same time, she stressed that quality should not be compromised in the rush to complete the project.

She instructed officials of the Railways and the Public Works Department to work in close coordination and cautioned that any further delay would not be tolerated. The overbridge must be made operational for public traffic by the end of August, she said.

Superintendent of Police S. Jahnavi, Assistant Commissioner Vivekananda, District Urban Development Cell project director Manohar, Regional Transport Officer Damodar, tahsildar Shruti M., senior officials of the Public Works Department, the Chief Engineer of the South Western Railway’s Hubballi Division and the project contractor were present at the meeting.