Puri Collector-cum-District Magistrate Arabinda Agarwal on Friday directed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to complete the repair of the railway over-bridge (ROB) at Samajajpur built during the Nabakalebar Rath Yatra last year by June 30.
Meanwhile, Union Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was on tour to the State, said underneath soil was the main cause of the collapse and repair would to be completed by June 30.
The Collector’s directive came after the along with the district SP Sarthak Sarangi, NHAI Manager (Technical) Sanjay Channa and construction company inspected the bridge.
The Collector also directed NHAI to construct a makeshift road for commuters till the over-bridge is fully repaired.
“I have asked the NHAI to personally oversee the repair the over-bridge. We have to ensure that it is completed before much before Rath Yatra preferably byJune 30,” said the Collector.
The NHAI had written to the district administration apprising it that the ROB may collapse at any time prompting the State administration for remedial measures.
later, the Collector and the NHAI officials met the Chief Secretary at the State Secretariat and apprised him about the status. Meanwhile, Works Secretary Nalini Kanta Pradhan said the repair work would be completed before Rath Yatra.
“The NHAI is looking after the construction of the bridge. It has collapsed as soil is used under it instead of concrete. The NHAI promised the Chief Secretary to complete the repair by June 30,” said Pradhan. PCC president Prasad Harichandan visited the ROB in the day and demanded a Whitepaper on the implementation of the Nabakalebar projects.