Kakinada: The unsung hero of Road-cum-Rail bridge

Kakinada: When the old rail bridge at Rajamahendravaram became shaky and hazardous, the Central government paid scant attention for the newly-proposed Road-cum-Rail bridge. And no politician is bothered regarding in the crucial , vital bridge as it connects both Rajamahendravaram and Kovvur for thousands of nus as well as train passengers with abundant income and prosperity of the region.

A committed Congress worker, Maruvada Rama Mohan Rao, the eldest son of a noted Harikatha Bhagavatar of Kakinada, took upon himself the sole responsibility of championing the cause of Road-cum-Rail bridge and pitched a tent near railway station Kakinada which is indefinite fast in 1960s. After 10 days, some local Congress leaders came and prevailed upon him to give up his fast with an assurance that they would convince the Central government to construct the Rail-cum-Road across the Godavari. Months rolled by but no word of assurance came to him. Their apathetic attitude frustrated him and later he decided to shift his venue of hesitation to Rajamahednravaram and continued his struggle for the cause at the prominent, pivotal place of Kotipalli bus stand.

People thronged in large number which attracted the local Congress leaders as well as the Central leaders. His fast gave an impetus and one Union minister came down with a letter of promise from the government of the India and assured of the laying of Rail-cum-Road very shortly. Perhaps they kept in mind Potti Sriramul's scarifies.

Rama Mohan Rao , the classmate of Dr N K Visweswar Rao, retired principle, showed the photos of prominent leaders including the young unknown film actress Jaya Prada who visited his tent at Rajamahendravaram.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Tuesday, Dr. NKV Rao gave a vivid account of the laudable efforts and struggles of Ram Mohan Rao for getting the modern railway bridge. Ram Mohan Rao was an enthusiastic social worker and committed Congress worker. He was encouraged by Dantu Bhaskar Rao , MLA, another great Congress leader Mallipudi Pallamraju and particularly Rudrama Raju Rama Linga Raju, minister of Hindu Religious Endowments, including some other distinguished Congress leaders. He strongly advocated the cause of construction of Rail-cum-Road bridge at Rajamahendravaram. Even though he promised to secure main railway line at Kakinada, he passed away before he realised his dream of fulfilling it. Owing to his indefatigable efforts, he could successfully get the approval of Road-cum-Rail bridge across the Godavari, but unfortunately his statue has not been erected by local leaders as token of gratitude and memory. It is a pity that no one knows about his significant role in achieving the bridge , but ironically Rajamahendravaram is dotted with the statues of cine actors. Ram Mohan Rao left this world without being honoured and unsung even though millions of people utilise his bridge as a means of transport for enriching themselves with no word of appreciation and act of remembrance for the departed crusader for the Road-cumRail bridge.