Social media erupted with concern after images surfaced of broken pieces of the recently inaugurated Floating Sea Bridge (FSB) drifting away at Visakhapatnam beach.

Speculations arose regarding the safety of the bridge, especially as it appeared closed for maintenance soon after its launch on Sunday (February 25).

Reports suggested that the bridge, situated near the Kursura Submarine Museum, was undergoing repair work on Monday.

Visitors witnessed efforts to reattach the head part of the T-shaped bridge to its stem, sparking worries about its stability and safety.

Addressing the concerns, Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) clarified that the closure was due to adverse weather conditions, including rough seas and high tidal waves.

Dr. A. Mallikarjuna, the Metropolitan Commissioner, explained that the bridge's separation into parts was a routine procedure during such conditions to assess its resilience.

Dismissing rumors of detachment or damage, Dr. Mallikarjuna emphasized that delinking the bridge components was part of regular maintenance and safety drills.

The VMRDA released footage to support their explanation, reaffirming the bridge's structural integrity.

The FSB project, initiated based on a pre-study report by the Centre for Studies on the Bay of Bengal, Andhra University, aims to enhance tourism infrastructure.

Costing ₹1.6 crore, the bridge, reminiscent of a similar project in Kerala, was inaugurated by Rajya Sabha member Y.V. Subba Reddy and his team amidst public enthusiasm on Sunday.