50 years For Rajahmundry Bridge: Special Place In People’s Hearts

Rajahmundry Bridge is now 50 years old. This Road-cum-rail bridge over the Godavari River in Rajahmundry has a special in the hearts of not just the Godavari district people but the whole of Andhra Pradesh. People enjoy travelling on this bridge as it gives them a unique feeling. It is a lifeline, especially for the people of the Godavari district.

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It has been 50 years since the road-cum-rail bridge was constructed on the Godavari River between Rajahmundry and Kovvur, connecting the two Godavari districts of AP. The bridge, which is about four and a half kilometres long, was dedicated to the nation by the then-President Frakruddin Ali Ahmed in 1974. This bridge stood like a jewel to the river Godavari.

Bridge Was An Engineering Marvel

This bridge is a lifeline for the people of both Godavari districts. It was an engineering marvel. It is the third longest rail-cum-road bridge in India. In 1964, as part of the third five-year plan, it was decided to construct a two-line railway between Kovvur and Rajahmundry on the Godavari River. Back then, transportation between the two Godavari districts was done on boats. The state government has sent a team to the centre to build a bridge along the road. After this was also approved, the survey was done, and the construction company named Jessop started the bridge works, which was completed by August 1974.

Then-President Prakruddin Ali Ahmed inaugurated this Bridge with a 2.8 km rail route and a 4.1 km road route. The opening ceremony of this bridge was broadcast live by Akasavani Vijayawada Radio Centre. As the construction of the bridge was completed, the boats stopped. Shuttle buses were started between Kovvur and Rajahmundry, making both Godavari districts become one. Thus, this bridge has a special place in the hearts of the Godavari people.