TOI reported that the government will construct a 4 lane flyover to the Gangavaram port at a cost of INR 21 crore to enable the private port management carry out its railway operations round the clock.
Sources said the need for the flyover over the railway level crossing at the BC Gate Road in Peddagantayada mandal arose after the Vizag Steel Plant employees began agitating in protest against the port management which often closes the road for its railway operations. With pressure mounting from the VSP workers and the port management, the government has agreed to construct the flyover.
Interestingly, the government has decided to ask the VSP management to provide INR 7 crore for the flyover works. The remaining amount would be equally shared by the port and the state government. The BC Gate Road was laid for the benefit of VSP workers. The unions of the VSP alleged that the government was showing favoritism towards the private port by putting burden on the steel plant when the flyover was meant to cater to the port's needs.
Meanwhile, the Gangavaram port management has welcomed the decision on the flyover. Mr Surya Prakash director (corporate affairs) said the flyover would benefit both the VSP and the port employees.
Sources added that the R&B department is in the process of finalizing the tenders for construction of the flyover.
