TV
The much-anticipated new floating bridge at Chilika has remained non-operational for over a month, leaving residents of Krushnaprasad block in Puri district with no option but to use the deteriorating old bridge. Every day, hundreds of commuters risk their lives crossing the vast Chilika Lake on the aging structure, which is in a dangerous state of disrepair.
The old floating bridge, loaded with two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even buses, continues to function despite visible structural damages. Many sections of the bridge have broken off, and the bottom plates are severely corroded, raising serious safety concerns.
Frequent mechanical failures result in prolonged downtime, sometimes leaving the bridge non-functional for days. Travelers worry about potential accidents as they navigate the precarious route across the lake.
In response to growing concerns, authorities had arranged for two new floating bridges. However, one of them remains docked at Jahnikuda for over a month, failing to commence operations. This has left over one lakh residents from 14 panchayats in Krushnaprasad block in the district stranded with limited and unsafe transportation options.
Commuters Express Concern
“We have to wait for hours to cross Chilika using the floating bridge, even though there are two more new floating bridges. Why the new vessels are not operational? Necessary security arrangements must be made by the State and Central government,” said Babula Behera, a daily commuter.
Echoing the same, another commuter Dusmanta Khuntia said, “I feel unsafe while travelling on the old floating bridge. Since last month, the two new vessels have been docked here; but, I don’t understand why they are not operational.”
Geographical Position of Krushnaprasad Block
The Krushnaprasad block, located within the vast Chilika region, is geographically separated from the mainland, making water transport the only viable option. To access essential services, residents must cross nearly five kilometers of the lake using country boats or floating bridges.
Since 2001, the administration has operated two floating bridges—one connecting Jahnikuda to Satapada and the other running in the reverse direction. However, due to lack of maintenance, these bridges have become unsafe for daily use.
Local residents have raised demands for the immediate operation of the new floating bridge and are advocating for the construction of a permanent bridge to ensure safe and reliable transportation.
Necessary Action Soon: Collector
In response, Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has assured that discussions with concerned officials are underway and necessary steps will be taken to address the issue.
“We will discuss the matter with the concerned authorities immediately. Besides, we will also follow up on the proposal for a permanent bridge in Chilika,” Swain assured.
Report By Nilakantha Pradhan
