Shivamogga: The Sigandur Bridge, also known as the Ambaragodlu-Kalasavalli Bridge, is set to be inaugurated by the end of May or the first week of June. Built across the mighty Sharavathi River in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district, the massive extradosed balanced cantilever bridge spans 2.1km, excluding approaches, making it the largest inland bridge in Karnataka. The stretch includes 740m of cable.
Of the Rs 456.6 crore, the authorities spent Rs 378.3 crore on the bridge construction. The work was launched in 2018 by Union minister for highways Nitin Gadkari at Holebagilu. This follows the efforts of former CM BS Yediyurappa and his son, current MP BY Raghavendra, who followed it up with the Union ministry.
Though there are plans to bring PM Modi for the inauguration, sources indicate he may do so virtually, while Gadkari and other dignitaries will be present in Sagar. A total of 604 segments (one segment is 12ft wide) are built, of which only two segments remain to be completed. It is expected to be completed by the end of March. It is structured with a pile foundation, spherical spot, balanced cantilever, and two lanes, including footpaths on both sides.
Peer Pasha, a retired engineer of NHAI who is managing the work, said: “Along with the construction of the bridge, connecting highway work is in progress. It is a unique bridge called extradosed balanced cantilever bridge. It is the first longest inland cable-stayed bridge in Karnataka.” Another unique feature is that the 740m of the bridge is supported by cables, he informed TOI.
The bridge provides road connectivity to Sigandur, the noted temple town located on the Sharavathi backwaters, from Sagar, which will cut down the travel time by two hours. Now the devotees are ferried in a barge. During peak season, devotees have to wait for at least three hours to get the barge. Situated on NH-369E from Avinagalli to Marakutika via Holebagilu, Kalasavalli, and Sigandur, the stretch is a secondary route of NH-69. People living in the area have been using two barges for decades to commute to Sagar. There are also plans to keep barges for emergencies and to hand them over to the tourism department from inland transport.
Ahead of the inauguration of the bridge, there is pressure on the Union govt and MP to launch the project before the onset of monsoon. Speaking to TOI, the Shimoga MP said he will meet Gadkari in Delhi to finalise the inauguration schedule.
Meanwhile, Sagar MLA Gopal Krishna Belur of Congress said that if the Union govt delays the inauguration even after completion of the work, they will allow people to travel on the bridge. There is also a credit war on the horizon with BJP leaders claiming that the project was initiated due to the relentless efforts of Yediyurappa. But supporters of veteran Congress leader Kagodu Thimmappa, who dreamt of connecting thousands of families on the bank in Tumri, Karur, and Barangi areas, have proposed the project for years. Yediyurappa is scheduled to inspect the project next month.
