Ghasipura: A Bailey bridge, linking Harichandanpur block with Ghasipura block in tribal-dominated Keonjhar district, collapsed Sunday night reportedly due to substandard work.
The rural development department was executing the bridge project across river Remal at a cost of `2.30 crore funded by the Central government. The bridge collapse is likely to affect communication of people belonging to several villages.
Kolkata-based Bridge and Roof was executing the project. The bridge was expected to act as the only communication link for people residing in Kahalia, Kanskendua, Anlapal, Khalapal, Kathapal, Suanpur, Raghunathpur and other villages under Ghasipura block.
Locals alleged the bridge has caved in due to lack of monitoring of the project by the rural development department. Claiming that the work was substandard, they demanded a probe into the incident.
On the other hand, Alok Ranjan Mohanty, executive engineer of Anandapur rural development division, admitted that the bridge collapsed due to technical reasons, but its work will be expedited.
As the company has not completed the work, it will be held responsible for reconstruction, he added.
It was learnt that rural development department has signed an agreement with the company for construction of 14 Bailey bridges in remote and hilly terrains of the district. PNN