The newly-constructed concrete bridge connecting the Dhabaleswar Temple in Athagarh was opened for public use from Wednesday.
Although the construction work is not fully completed, devotees will be granted access to the bridge enabling them to visit the ancient 16th-century shrine.
“In view of the sacred Shravan month, the bridge is opened for devotees and Kaudias. The official inauguration will take place once the project work is completed,” said Athagarh MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain.
The State Government has spent Rs 22.28 crore for construction of the bridge. The 276-meter-long and 6.2-meter-wide project was taken up under the Biju Setu Yojana of the government.
Notably, the temporary road connecting the Dhabaleswar shrine had been washed away on June 30 due to inflow of heavy amount of water in the Mahanadi and the temple became inaccessible.
Earlier in November last year, the suspension bridge connecting the temple had been closed due to repairing work after detection of cracks by an expert team.