A ₹47 crore replacement is being planned for Nanjangud’s deteriorating D Devaraja Urs Bridge, with the tender process expected to be completed within two months, according to Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose.
Bose inspected the bridge and ongoing flyover works near Hosa Halli and Kalale Gate on Wednesday. He said National Highways Authority of India officials had submitted a detailed project report and related report for the new bridge. Funding is expected to be released within a month, after which the tender process will begin, he said.
The existing bridge has been closed to traffic for about one-and-a-half years because of its deteriorated condition. A new bridge has since been opened to traffic in both directions, but complaints have been received about rising vehicle congestion and accidents in the area. Bose said he had undertaken the inspection in response to these complaints.
The replacement project will require the acquisition of private land. Officials have also been instructed to relocate a high-tension electricity tower and transmission line affected by the proposed work. Bose directed that a scientifically designed divider be built within a week and asked authorities to complete the bridge project at the earliest.
The timeline announced for the bridge depends on several administrative and construction steps, including release of funds, tendering, land acquisition and shifting of the high-tension infrastructure. The source report did not specify the proposed length, design, number of lanes or construction completion date for the new bridge.
During the inspection, Bose also reviewed flyover projects near Hosa Halli Gate and Kalale Gate, together estimated at ₹68 crore. Complaints had been raised about poor-quality work at the sites, and he instructed officials to build an alternative road and ensure construction quality. He questioned National Highways Authority assistant executive engineer Chandrashekhar over the reported deficiencies.
The inspections brought together officials and local representatives, including National Highways Authority project director Shirin, taluk panchayat executive officer Gerald Rajesh, and inspectors from the Nanjangud town and rural police stations. The immediate next steps for the bridge replacement are the release of funds, land acquisition, relocation of the electricity tower and commencement of the tender process.
