Crores allocated for ‘incomplete bridges’ in Odisha: Four years on, Biju Setu project wallows in neglect

In a glaring display of civil infrastructure woes in the state, several bridges, the construction of which began as many as four years ago, remain far from completion despite the allocation of crores of rupees.

Notably, these bridges were part of the ambitious ‘Biju Setu Yojana’ launched by the then-ruling BJD government led by Naveen Patnaik.

Purpose of the Biju Setu Yojana

The Biju Setu was flagged off with the aim to ensure that all villages in Odisha had all-weather road connectivity.

Further, foundation stones were laid at various locations, and construction work began with much enthusiasm. However, several bridges under this scheme now remain incomplete and abandoned, wallowing in neglect.

Scenes of Neglect from Ganjam:

Sources cited under-construction bridges from Chikiti and Kabisuryanagar in the Ganjam district to highlight the issue. In the case of the former, construction work had begun four years ago, yet apart from a few pillars and half-made foundations, nothing else has been substantiated.

Aggravating problems, the bridge was meant to cross the Bahuda River. As a result, despite four years of waiting for a bridge, locals are meant to cross over the water channel via mud beds, which get washed away during monsoons.

“People travelling through this temporary road are always at a risk of falling and getting hurt severely. Children are also forced to cross this route to attend schools, and during the rains, they have to return, and at times, some have even fallen into the river,” said Semmanchal Behara, a Badagaon local.

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Notably, for the Biju Setu in Badagaon, former minister Usha Devi laid the foundation stone in December 2021, and the bridge was supposed to be completed by 2023. However, instead of a completed bridge, residents from ten villages are still crossing the river using makeshift boats.

Despite a Rs 7 crore allocation and plans for a proper road, only half a kilometer of the path has been constructed, forcing people to travel 7 to 8 km instead.

Meanwhile, Chikiti Rural Development Engineer Sarat Chandra Muni has stated that the contractor carried out substandard construction, and a higher authority has been informed.

“We are aware of the situation. A few pillars were constructed very low and required deepening of the foundation. A high-level committee will visit the site and decide further action,” he added.

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Kabisuryanagar’s Ekadashi Village Bridge

In another alarming state of affairs, then-CM Naveen Patnaik laid a foundation stone for a bridge at Kabisuryanagar’s Ekadashi village near the Dhanai River.

Today, the bridge is built, but the connecting roads were never completed, making it unusable. As a result, villagers are forced to wade through water throughout the year. They demand urgent completion of the project.