Authorities preparing the Kusamalli Bridge for light vehicle movement.
Photo Credits: Louis Rodrigues
BELAGAVI
In what could be termed as good news for commuters between Belagavi and Goa, the new bridge at Kusamalli near Jamboti will be opened for the movement of light vehicles from June 25.
The section of the road to Belagavi via Chorla near Kusamalli was closed last week as the diversion was shut after the temporary route was washed away due to heavy rains. This caused huge inconvenience to commuters as they had to travel via Khanapur and Bailur, an extra 15 kilometres.
“The bridge is ready and can handle two-way traffic movements easily. The side crash walls will be ready and work on both side approaches will commence from Thursday, after which light vehicular movement will be allowed from next Wednesday,” NH Executive Engineer Rajendra said.
Refuting reports in certain sections of the media that all vehicles would be allowed from July 1, he said that the movement of heavy vehicles will not be allowed soon as a precaution, and this would be done only after ascertaining technical aspects.
It may be recalled that the old British-era bridge was demolished in February this year as it was dilapidated. Work on the new bridge commenced in February and was completed in a record time of about five months.
Commuters from Belagavi and Goa, and villagers from Jamboti and Kankumbi, have expressed happiness over the development as they were facing huge inconvenience.
“The official inauguration will be done only after we are satisfied with all the technical aspects,” Rajendra said.
