Minister admits causeway issues in Palasa, plans construction of High-Level Bridges

Minister for Roads and Buildings B. C. Janardhan Reddy on Tuesday admitted that people in the Palasa constituency in Srikakulam district have been facing difficulties because of three old causeways located on Major District Roads (MDRs).

Replying to a question raised in the Assembly by Palasa MLA Gouthu Sireesha, the Minister provided details regarding the road infrastructure issues in the Palasa constituency. He said that during emergency situations, people encountered serious transportation problems. He informed the House that estimates had already been sought for the construction of High-Level Bridges (HLBs) at three causeway locations on NH-5 to Kesupuram via Brahmanatarla, Palasa to Pedanchala road and MM Road to Ambatikambaram via Boodarasingi. He said that the sanction for constructing High-Level Bridges at these three locations would be considered, subject to budget availability.

Mr. Reddy explained that construction of HLBs was originally proposed in the regions where three causeways are located under Phase-II of the New Development Bank (NDB) project during 2018–19. However, the NDB Phase-II works were cancelled in 2024–25.“ As a result, the government has once again called for fresh estimates for constructing High-Level Bridges at the three causeway locations and will take them up based on budget eligibility,” he said.