Rourkela: With the detection of two more cracks following recent heavy downpour, commuting on Brahmani Bridge, considered the life line of Sundargarh district, has turned out to be a risky affair.
The 60-year-old bridge on NH-143 connects Ranchi of Jharkhand with Panikoili. The present condition of the bridge poses threat to the lives of the road users.
The cracks caused due to lack of proper upkeep have triggered resentment among locals. The inordinate delay in setting up of the second bridge across Brahmani compounded the problems.
Though people across all sections of the society have been demanding the second bridge, the project is yet to take off, thanks to Central apathy.
The vehicles are plying dangerously as the condition of the bridge is deteriorating by the day. The dillydallying approach of the Centre over the issue indicates its step-motherly attitude towards the state, said Rourkela Bar Association president Ramesh Bal.
Not a single stone has been laid so far even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement to set up the second bridge across Brahmani about three years ago. Foundation stone for the project would be laid by the end of June, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari is learnt to have said.
The Prime Minister, during his visit to the city April 1, 2014, announced the project. Later, local MLA Dilip Ray met the PM as well as the Union minister in Delhi and requested them to expedite the project.
Though Ray spoke to them on more than seven occasions over the issue, it was not heeded, a report said.
Left with no option, the MLA lashed out at the Centre expressing his dissatisfaction which reportedly developed a crack in the BJP’s state unit.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also sent a letter to Gadkari over the issue. The foundation stone of the project would be laid by the end of June, said Gadkari responding to Patnaik’s letter.
However, there is no sign of launching of the project even as three weeks of June have passed, locals said, raising questions on the sincerity of the Centre towards the welfare of Orissa.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Authority of India’s project director Venkatswaralu along with Ray Friday visited the damaged scene after iron plates were laid on the hole following a repair job.
Though the threat has been reduced to some extent for the time being, the bridge cannot be said completely safe for commuting, said locals. PNN