No respite to residents from traffic woes

Tirupati: The ongoing works on 6-km long elevated expressway (Garuda Varadhi) were stopped as the State government had halted the developmental works across the State citing the previous government had awarded contracts at escalating prices.

In this regard, the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department had issued work-stop order a month ago. The Asian Foundation Construction (AFCON) has shifted its giant machinery from work site to another place.

The TTD and MCT jointly funded corridor work had started four months ago to clear the traffic congestion in temple city for the convenience of residents and pilgrims.

In the total cost of Rs 684 crore, the TTD's share is 67 per cent and remaining will be borne by the MCT. The AFCON bagged the tender at a cost of Rs 75 crore per km.

It began laying pillars in between Market Yard and Ramanuja Circle. As the works were stopped midway, the pilgrims and city residents have to wait for some more time to get relief from traffic woes. MCT Commissioner PS Girisha has sent a report to Principal Secretary (MAUD) explaining field-level difficulties due to stoppage of expressway works. Responding to civic chief's report, the State government appointed a 3-member panel to probe tendering system of Garuda Varadhi.

According to information, the panel did not inspect expressway works in the last one month due to Assembly sessions. Meanwhile, Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has asked the higher officials to resume the Garuda Varadhi construction works to ease residents and pilgrims for traffic woes. The MAUD did not respond to his request.

Speaking to The Hans India Tirupati Smart City Company Limited (TSCCL) Superintendent Engineer (SE) T Mohan has clarified that entire work of elevated expressway was not stopped and some works are still going on. The government appointed panel would visit the work site in Tirupati to know the facts at field-level, he added.