Heavy vehicles barred on Paradhi bridge damaged by Cyclone Montha

The Police Department has banned the entry of heavy vehicles on the Paradhi bridge, one of the key bridges on the Visakhapatnam–Raipur highway, after it was damaged during Cyclone Montha.

The causeway across the Vegavati river, which earlier helped motorists travel easily between Bobbili and Ramabhadrapuram without taking the Terlam route, was also washed away in the cyclone’s impact.

Drivers are now being advised at Bobbili and Ramabhadrapuram to use the Terlam route, given the poor condition of the roads and the weakened bridge. At present, only APSRTC buses, cars, and two-wheelers are allowed to ply on the bridge.

The government had planned to strengthen the structure with ₹11 crore nearly seven years ago, but the works were never taken up due to various reasons. Contractors reportedly showed little interest, fearing delays in reimbursement.

With the diversion of heavy vehicles, lorry drivers are being forced to travel nearly 40 km extra. Earlier, the distance between Ramabhadrapuram and Bobbili was just about eight kilometres. The drivers have urged the government to take up bridge repairs and rebuild the causeway at the earliest.