TV
Roads and bridges are meant to connect people, enhance livelihoods, and bring progress. But in Koraput district, particularly in Hadia village under Jeypore block, partially completed bridge projects without approach roads have turned hopes into hardship. What began as a development promise has now become a daily danger for the villagers.
Bridge built but not accessible
A bridge connecting Hadia to Ambiguda and Bada Majurumunda was completed four years ago. However, the NBCC construction agency allegedly left the approach road unfinished, spanning 2–3 kilometers. With no intervention from the Rural Development Department, residents are forced to navigate treacherous terrain daily—be it by bicycle or motorcycle—risking lives for basic travel and trade.
A dead-end project
Another incomplete structure—an overbridge over Putra canal—was sanctioned under the Biju Setu Yojana in 2021-22, connecting Hadia to Dhanpur and Taraghei. While the bridge was built, the road connecting to Dhanpur railway station was never constructed. As a result, villagers are forced to take a 20–25 km detour through Ambaguda, causing distress and delays in daily commutes.
Meanwhile, many villagers have voiced growing frustration over government apathy.
"Though the bridge has been completed for the last four years, residents in the area are facing lots of difficulties due to the absence of approach roads. Our problems are getting compounded in rainy seasons," said Kamal Lochan Bhatra, a local resident.
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"We are facing many problems in our daily communication. Though we have requested the administration to solve our problems umpteen times, our plea has repeatedly fallen in deaf ears," rued Ramesh Harijan, another local resident.
However, after community outcry, the departmental officials have assured prompt discussions with higher authorities and the Railway Department for swift resolution.
"We will now communicate the matter to the Railway Department and send a proposal for the construction of the approach road. We have intimated NBCC about the matter and there has been higher level discussions in this regard for many times. They have been asked to complete the incomplete approach road immediately," said Debashis Mandal, Executive Engineer of Rural Development Department.
