After missing several deadlines, the Chowkipara Rail Over Bridge (ROB) is likely to be started for commuters very soon.
A meeting was held between Jharsuguda MLA and State Health Minister Naba Kisore Das, railway and administrative officials on Friday to take stock of the progress on the project.
Sources said the ROB is being jointly constructed by the Indian Railways and Odisha Government. The tender has already been awarded to YB Construction Private Limited.
The ROB over Mumbai-Howrah railway line and Jharsuguda Sambalpur railway line will connect the major localities with main town directly.
The total 1,090 meters length ROB's estimated cost is Rs 48,58,80,135. It will have 34 spans and 592 metres service road. A total 117 structure is to be demolished by eviction for which 116 shop owners will be affected. The administration planning to resettle them at NH side from Kisan Chowk to BTM onwards area by giving land.
Sources claimed that construction work is likely to start anytime within three months. On Friday at 10 am, Minister Das visited the construction site with railways and district administration officials.
They discussed all major issues like the number of shops to be displaced on both sides for the project, traffic issues that will come up during the construction, expected timelines, etc. It is estimated that around 122 shops would be displaced due to the project, including six shops on the main road and 116 shops towards Chowkipara.
Minister Das said that the 40-year-old demand of the residents to see an ROB at this site would soon be fulfilled.