Sambalpur: The second bridge over Mahanadi here is scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the last week of October.
Keeping the inauguration time in mind, work is underway on a war footing. While construction of the bridge is nearing completion, work on beautification of the Nelson Mandela Square is progressing, sources said. In order to finish the work in time, the PWD has engaged more workers.
Sambalpur Collector Samarth Verma has taken it upon himself to monitor the work. He said that along with inauguration of the second bridge, laying of foundation stones and inauguration of several other developmental projects, including beautification of the ring road, will also be done by the Chief Minister.
The PWD said the construction of the bridge started in 2016 at an estimated cost of Rs 98 crore. The 1500-metre bridge took two years for completion. There are 14.8 metre footpaths on both sides of the bridge.
The villagers of Chanarpur panchayat and other nearby villagers had to travel an extra 26 km to reach Sambalpur town. The people living on the other side of the Mahanadi River had been demanding a bridge.
Once the bridge becomes functional, the distance will be reduced by 24 km. Besides, it will go a long way in making travel to Central School, CRPF office, Sainik School, Gangadhar Meher University, Odisha State Open University and Ghanteswari shrine much easier.
The existing bridge over the Mahanadi river is on National Highway-6 and it connects Sambalpur with Bargarh.
PNN
