Manali overbridge likely to be opened by July end

According to officials, the bridge will be thrown open to the public by the end of July. They claim that work is at the finishing stage and will be completed in a week.

The SH (Metro Wing) commenced work in 2014 and it was supposed to have been completed by 2016. However, officials faced many hurdles like acquiring land and stiff opposition from the public, leading to delay in execution. Work later resumed in 2016 and officials accelerated the process to complete the construction. They again faced issues while trying to acquire temple lands. Finally, all problems were sorted out and work was completed at last.

A senior engineer, SH (Metro Wing), on condition of anonymity, said that though work was stopped intermittently, they found out alternative ways to stick to the schedule. “The fact remains that we could have completed the work in time, but land acquisition posed a severe problem. However, we have overcome all hurdles,” the engineer said. Asked about the inauguration of the bridge, the engineer responded, “Now, the ball is in the government’s court to set the date for its opening.” 

Meanwhile, people across the city have heaved a sigh of relief. “Though it is late, it is a welcome move. Going by the current scenario, it has become routine for officials to leave the construction of over bridges and flyovers half-finished in the city and it is unacceptable,” said K Muthuvel, an employee of a bank in Thiruvottiyur.