Shivamogga, July 14 -- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple key infrastructure projects, including the Kalasavalli-Ambargondlu Bridge in Shivamogga.

The bridge and the approach roads have been constructed at a cost of over Rs 473 crore by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The cable-stayed bridge across the Sharavati River backwaters reconnects villages severed by the 1960s Linganmakki dam construction.

Accompanied by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Gadkari dedicated the bridge that villagers decorated with celebratory mango leaves. The structure particularly benefits devotees visiting Sigandur's Chowdeshwari temple, drastically re...