RAYAGADA: A decade-old bridge near Goudaguda in Rayagada district collapsed on Monday, disrupting vehicular traffic. The bridge was constructed by the Rural Development Department in 2007 with an expenditure of `32 lakhs.Early in the morning, the fifth pillar of the bridge collapsed. Locals alleged that since poor standard of materials were used in construction of the bridge, it needed maintenance at regular intervals.
But the Rural Development Department did not pay attention to the bridge which serves as a direct link between Maligaon and Amlabhatta villages and is used by people of 10 neighbouring villages.
Sub-Collector Prabir Kumar Nayak said a thorough inquiry will be initiated into the reason behind the bridge collapse and allegations of use of low grade construction materials in the structure.