Residents of Konigarahalli and surrounding villages in Chitradurga district's Challakere taluk have raised urgent safety concerns after large structural cracks appeared on a 40-year-old bridge built across the Vedavati River. The bridge serves as a critical transportation lifeline connecting multiple rural settlements to Challakere town, witnessing daily traffic from thousands of commuters, school students, and agricultural vehicles. Locals reported that the bridge had been deteriorating over recent months, but the recent appearance of visible fractures along its concrete arches has heightened fears of structural failure. Despite prior complaints regarding lack of maintenance, residents allege that local administrative authorities have not initiated concrete repair work. Community leaders are now demanding an immediate technical evaluation by public works engineers to assess the bridge's load capacity and structural integrity, urging either comprehensive rehabilitation or reconstruction to safeguard daily travelers and prevent a catastrophic collapse. The district administration has been urged to restrict heavy vehicles until engineering teams complete a comprehensive inspection of the river crossing.
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