After nearly three decades of waiting, the long-pending demand for a bridge across the Pottepalem Kaluju spillway of the Nellore Tank is set to be realised, with the foundation stone laid on Monday in a rare show of political unity cutting across party lines. Addressing the gathering, Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy said the bridge would significantly ease transportation challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of people and help eliminate frequent road accidents in the area. Describing it as a 25–30-year-old aspiration, he said the project was made possible due to the determination of Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy. Despite the state’s financial constraints, funds of Rs 90 million have been secured for the project. While the overall realisation of the bridge is expected within about 18 months, the MP said construction is targeted to be completed within eight months. Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy said the bridge would benefit not only villages in Nellore Rural but also areas in the Kovur constituency, including Jonnawada, Minagallu and Penuballi. She added that the project would be particularly helpful for devotees travelling to the Jonnawada Temple. Speaking at the event, Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy said the bridge fulfils election promises made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh. He said his commitment to the development of Nellore Rural and the welfare of party workers would remain unchanged, regardless of electoral considerations. The MLA also announced that the foundation stone for another bridge across the Mulumudi Kaluva would be laid by the end of February, with completion targeted within three months. MLC and TDP district president Beeda Ravichandra described Sridhar Reddy as the district’s only youth leader to become an MLA after 30 years of active public life. The occasion also saw the inauguration of the VPR Amrutha Dhara Water Plant, adding to the day’s development initiatives in the region.