Post News Network
Chandbali, Jan 15: The Biju Setu set up across river Baitarani on the outskirts of this town in Bhadrak district continues to be weak for lack of repair and renovation. The middle portion of the bridge is reportedly sinking, triggering fear among locals that it may collapse any time.
Worse, the bridge rocks precariously whenever any heavy vehicle passes on it, locals said. They stated that four years ago when the bridge started sinking at certain places, they had demanded immediate steps for its repair. The authorities concerned were also apprised of its condition, but to no avail.
Two years ago, a team of engineers had visited the bridge, but an ineffective bearing has not been replaced.
According to reports, Gammon India Ltd had constructed the 286 metre-long bridge with four pillars in 1998. About Rs 11.25 crore was spent towards construction of approach roads to the bridge. However, by the time it was completed in 2004, the cost had escalated to Rs 23 crore. The road and buildings department was assigned its maintenance.
The bridge facilitates communication from Bhadrak to Cuttack via Kendrapara.
An official of the department concerned admitted that there is problem in the bearing settlement of the bridge. Locals demanded that immediate steps for bridge’s repair. PNN
