Bhoomi puja performed for Kanaka Durga flyover.

MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) performed 'bhoomi puja' for Kanaka Durga flyover recently.

Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is supposed to lay foundation stone for the flyover. The ceremony was postponed as the Union Minister is in foreign tour. However, bhoomi puja was performed immediately as works should be completed before Krishna pushkarams, the MP said.

Soma Constructions chairman Maganti Rajendra Prasad, Joint Collector Gandham Chandrudu, Vijayawada urban tehsildar Siva Rao and others were present.

Vijayawada (West) MLA Jaleel Khan and MLC Buddha Venkanna, who steered agitation demanding construction of flyover for many years were not present. The district collector directed the officials and departments concerned to advance their deadlines so as to ensure that the project was completed ahead of schedule.

The Soma Constructions representatives did not allow media personnel, especially electronic, saying that they were discharging their office work. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) awarded the contract to Infrastructure Company, Soma constructions, which quoted Rs. 282 crore in its bid. The other contenders were L&T and Navayuga.

The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 447.8 crore. Of this, shifting of utilities like power towers and water pipelines will cost Rs. 114.5 crore. The remaining components, including flyover, will cost Rs. 333.12 crore.


THE HINDU