Andhra Pradesh viral video: Floating bridge 'washed away' hours after inauguration, government clarifies

Andhra Pradesh viral video: The Andhra Pradesh government has firmly refuted claims that a part of the newly inaugurated floating bridge was washed away, stating that the incident was part of a planned mock drill and not indicative of structural failure.

The floating bridge was inaugurated on February 25 amidst much celebration by senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member Y V Subba Reddy. It gained attention for its innovative design and strategic placement along the popular R K Beach.

Here is the video. #Poorquality pic.twitter.com/cik33xH8qt

— AP needs CBN (@I_am_with_cbn) February 26, 2024

However, within just 24 hours of its inauguration, images and videos circulating on social media depicted a broken section of the bridge adrift in the sea, fueling speculation and criticism, particularly from the opposition TDP party.

'Part of a mock drill,' says VMRDA

Addressing the concerns raised, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) clarified in an official statement that the detached section of the bridge was intentionally separated as part of a mock drill exercise, not due to structural compromise.

VMRDA emphasized that during periods of high tides and strong ocean currents, it is customary to detach specific components of the bridge, such as the T-shaped viewing point, to assess stability and safety measures.

The official statement read, "Due to the high tides, the T-shaped viewing point of the bridge has been detached and kept near the anchors to check its stability. But some people clicked pictures of the gap between the bridge and the detached viewing point and alleged that the floating bridge was broken, which is false."

Despite initial plans to open the bridge to tourists on Monday, the government opted to postpone access, citing unfavorable weather conditions and heightened ocean currents. 

G Amarnath hits out TDP

Reacting to the controversy, Industries Minister G Amarnath criticized the TDP for purportedly propagating false information about the floating bridge, characterizing it as an attempt at spreading misinformation and engaging in political maneuvers.