Hyderabad: Rain-ravaged, RK Puram RoB yet to become a reality

Hyderabad: The renovation of the RK Puram Rail Road Over Bridge (ROB) appears to be only on paper, as the recent rains have exposed its poor quality. The bridge has developed potholes and cracks in several parts. Daily commuters, troubled by the long-standing problem, have urged the GHMC and the Railways to not only restore the bridge but also extend the existing one. According to sources, Rs 6 crore was sanctioned long back for the renovation of the bridge. In 2022, the GHMC appointed a private agency as consultants to conduct a detailed investigation and the report was submitted to the civic body. Additionally, a resolution was passed in the recent GHMC council meeting.

However, it seems that the project has not moved forward. Many locals and commuters expressed their disappointment, pointing out that the RK Puram Rail ROB serves lakhs of commuters from ECIL, Sainikpuri and Neredmet. The bridge is constantly crowded during peak hours as the population has grown significantly since its construction around a decade ago. It is quite difficult for commuters to travel through the area, mainly because the bridge is very narrow. The recent rains have worsened the situation as the bridge has developed potholes and cracks in several parts.

BT Srinivasan, general secretary of the United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations, said, “The RK Puram flyover has become a nightmare for people travelling in these parts. We have been frustrated by repeatedly complaining to the concerned authorities as the bridge is unable to handle heavy traffic. Moreover, the main reason for the delay in the project is that several authorities, including the GHMC and the Hyderabad and Secunderabad divisions of the South Central Railway, are involved in it. After every rain, we see the concerned department filling up the potholes, but once it rains again, the areas are flooded.” Robin, a resident of RK Puram, said, “This is a long pending issue, as the bridge is very narrow and the lanes are full of potholes. There have been demands for a long time to build another flyover or extend the existing flyover, but these demands have fallen on deaf ears. We have to face troubles daily while travelling on this bridge. If it is not attended to immediately, it may collapse anytime. Repairing the bridge is not enough, a RoB is needed parallel to it.”