Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday inaugurated Ib Setu, the longest bridge of western Odisha, in Sambalpur.

The bridge connecting Sapne and Rampela panchayats has been constructed at an expenditure of Rs 117.49 crore on river Ib flowing between Sambalpur and Jharsugda districts. With the bridge, the distance between Sambalpur and Jharsuguda is now minimised by 50 km.

Earlier in the day during visit to Sambalpur, Chief Minister Patnaik first attended the second annual convocation ceremony of the IIM Sambalpur and handed over certificates to 45 students who successfully passed out from the premier management institution.

Addressing the students, Patnaik said, “Many of IIM students are desirous of innovation-based entrepreneurial opportunities. You must try to build upon your potential by converting innovative ideas into sustainable business models in order to create socioeconomic value for our country and society. IIM Sambalpur should take lead in developing the Centres of Excellence for startups and incubators. All these efforts at IIM will go a long way in fostering the community’s entrepreneurial climate by means of business creation and retention, technology commercialisation and creating of jobs and wealth.”

He said that the State Government is willing to partner with the IIM Sambalpur in its journey of inclusive growth.

“IIM Sambalpur should become an active participant, a knowledge partner and a think tank for planning, strategising and reinforcing Government schemes for social development,” Patnaik said.