Bar Association, Kovvur, West Godavari District, v. The State Of A.P., Rep. By Its Secretary,

HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT HYDERABAD FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AND THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH THE HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SRI KALYAN JYOTI SENGUPTA AND THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No. 24723 OF 2010 DATE: 30.03.2015 Between:

Bar Association, Kovvur, rep., by its President, West Godavari District.

... Petitioner And The State of A.P., rep., by its Secretary, Roads and Buildings, Hyderabad & others.

... Respondents

This Court made the following:

THE HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SRI KALYAN JYOTI SENGUPTA AND THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No. 24723 of 2010 ORDER: (Per the Hon'ble the Chief Justice Sri Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta) This matter is taken up by the Court suo motu on a representation made by the petitioner association that the Road-cum-Rail Bridge (for short, "the Bridge") across Godavari River near Rajahmundry is not being properly maintained and

it requires extensive repairs in order to keep the same in operation. The said Bridge was constructed 30 years ago and was opened for operation and for use of public in the year 1974. Because of lack of proper maintenance, it became danger to public at large to cross the said Bridge. Under these circumstances, we directed the authorities of the Railway as well as the Roads and Buildings Department to sit together and find out a solution. Pursuant to our direction, a joint status report has been submitted on the earlier occasion. We have seen the same.

In the said joint report it is clearly mentioned that the subject Bridge requires extensive repairs, and due to the temporary repairs undertaken from time to time there is no damage to the structural stability of the Bridge. It is also mentioned that permanent repairs cannot be taken before June/July, 2015, firstly, because of Godavari Pushkaram festival and secondly for not having competent consultant for expert opinion, and that at least six months time is required to complete the permanent works to the Bridge. Under these circumstances, we direct the State Government and the Railway authorities to act in coordination with each other and see that till permanent repairs are undertaken to the Bridge, no inconvenience is caused to the public. The permanent repairs must be undertaken immediately after Godavari Pushkaram festival is over.

The writ petition is accordingly closed.

Pending miscellaneous petitions, if any, shall also stand closed. No order as to costs.

___________________ K.J. SENGUPTA, CJ ___________________ SANJAY KUMAR, J

Date: 30.03.2015 ES