Foundation stone laid for Odisha’s longest bridge over Hirakud Dam

In a move poised to enhance connectivity in Western Odisha, the foundation stone was laid on Thursday for the State’s longest bridge to be constructed over Hirakud Dam reservoir.

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Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari presided over a ceremony marking the commencement of a 4-kilometre bridge that will link Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district with Ambabhona in Bargarh. This vital infrastructure project is expected to bolster economic growth and strengthen social bonds across the region, serving as a significant milestone in local development.

Mega project at around Rs 275 crore

On completion, the bridge is anticipated to revolutionise transport in the region, significantly reducing travel time. The project's financial footprint is around Rs 275 crore, funded by the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

With all necessary approvals from the Water Resources department, the construction is scheduled to finish within two and a half years.

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted the bridge’s enduring impact, aiming to reconnect Jharsuguda and Bargarh, which were socially fractured due to the Hirakud Dam’s construction post-India’s independence. The dam’s creation has led to the displacement of numerous families and the isolation of local communities, necessitating a circuitous route through Chhattisgarh.

Upon its inauguration, the bridge will drastically cut down the travel distance from places like Sambalpur and Jharsuguda to Bargarh from over 100 kilometres to just 12 kilometres, reviving social and economic exchanges.

The enhanced road connectivity also promises to integrate with the neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh, fostering better regional collaboration.

The impact of this proposed bridge reaches beyond transportation, expected to accelerate local economic development and revitalise once-dormant social connections.

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“It is going to be the longest bridge in Odisha. The proposed bridge will be constructed on the Hirakud reservoir,” the Revenue Minister stated to mediapersons.

Reported By: Dharmadatta Padhi, Sanjay Jena