GG News Bureau
Visakhapatnam, 28th Feb. The Andhra Pradesh government has firmly dismissed allegations of damage to a portion of the floating bridge inaugurated at R K Beach in Visakhapatnam on February 25, clarifying that the detachment was part of a scheduled mock drill.
The floating bridge, unveiled amidst much celebration by senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member Y V Subba Reddy, garnered attention when images and videos circulated online showing a broken section of the structure floating in the sea, fueling speculation and criticism, particularly from the opposition TDP party.
Addressing the concerns, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) released an official statement refuting the claims of damage. The VMRDA explained that the detachment of the “T-shaped” viewing point from the bridge was a deliberate action conducted as part of a mock drill, a routine procedure undertaken to assess stability during high tides and strong ocean currents.
Emphasizing that such detachments are standard protocol and essential for safety assessments, VMRDA assured the public that the detachment of the viewing point will continue as needed for future mock drills.
Despite initial plans to open the bridge to tourists on Monday, the government opted to postpone access due to changing weather conditions and heightened ocean currents.
Responding to the controversy, Industries Minister G Amarnath criticized the TDP for allegedly spreading false propaganda and engaging in fake narratives regarding the floating bridge. Amarnath’s remarks underscored the political tensions surrounding the incident, as the government seeks to address concerns and maintain transparency regarding the safety and functionality of the infrastructure project.
