A much-hyped project, a bridge at Panchupada under Sadar block, kicked off on Friday after its foundation-stone was laid for the second time by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, after a gap of 25 long years.
In 1988, the stone was laid by the then CM JB Patnaik, the project’s cost being Rs1.76 crore. But the project remained halfway after construction of two pillars partly. On the allegation of irregularities in spending Rs76 lakh for the two pillars, a Vigilance inquiry was conducted and the project was stalled towards the beginning of 2000.
In 2004, the project cost escalated to Rs8 crore. Although tenders were floated by the Works Department, no party came forward to undertake the half-done project, stating it was in a high tidal zone and they didn’t know the strength of the pillars.
In the absence of a bridge, the people of as many as 30 GPs have been facing serious inconveniences. Socio-political organisation Utkal Samaj launched a series of agitations and filed a PIl in the regard in the High Court.
The proposed bridge is to serve a vital link for four blocks, Sadar, Basta, Baliapal and Bhograi with the district headquarters,” pointed out Utkal Samaj secretary Bhaskar Jena.
The fresh project cost is Rs21 crore. The Nabard will also assist project construction. A nearly two-year target has been set for completion of the bridge, A Gurgaon-based private party has been entrusted with the job under the supervision of PWD, said Executive Engineer BK lenka.