SAMBALPUR: EVEN as the Public Works Department (PWD) had set a target to complete the high-level bridge over Mandalia nullah on Ring Road along river Mahanadi by March this year, work on it is yet to be accomplished.
After completion of the bridge, the bridge will augment communication on Ring Road connecting Nelson Mandela Chowk at one end and NH-6 at Durgapali in the city at the other end. Work on the bridge began in November, 2014 at an estimated cost of `4.66 crore. The old bridge over Mandalia nullah, which is currently being used, will be demolished after the new bridge is opened for traffic. The old bridge is not just narrow but also lies in a dilapidated condition due to lack of maintenance. The guard wall along the bridge has collapsed.
Since two vehicles cannot pass on the bridge at the same time, it results in inconvenience to commuters. Adding to the woes, every time there is incessant rain in Sambalpur, the bridge gets submerged disrupting traffic movement for days together.
Contacted, Deputy Executive Engineer of Public Works Department (PWD), Division I, Narayan Patel said construction of the bridge is almost complete. However, construction of approach road leading to the bridge will take time as the department has to acquire private land of 1.56 acres for it. He also said a separate tender has been finalised for construction of the approach road and work on the road will be completed by June next year. However, a temporary approach road will be constructed for the time being to start movement of vehicles on the new bridge, he added.
