TV
Odisha is set for a major infrastructure upgrade with the construction of 32 new bridges approved on Tuesday under Setu Bandhan Yojana for the FY 2025–26. The project aims to improve road connectivity across ten districts, boosting mobility and local development.
Also Read: Four major bridges on Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani, Kharasrota rivers at Rs 1,264 Cr in Odisha
According to official sources, Odisha government approved the construction of 32 bridges under Setu Bandhan Yojana, in a significant move to strengthen the State’s transportation infrastructure. This initiative marks another major push toward enhancing connectivity in key regions of the State.
The approved bridges will be built in districts of Bolangir, Subarnapur, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Koraput, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Puri. These locations, many of which are rural or have challenging terrains, are expected to significantly benefit in terms of accessibility, transportation of goods, and public mobility.
Setu Bandhan Yojana is a key infrastructure project aimed at constructing bridges in remote and under-connected areas. By focusing on these districts, the State government intends to bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural regions, reduce travel time, and promote regional development.
Officials stated that this step aligns with the State's broader infrastructure development roadmap in line with the Vision Odisha 2036, targeting better road and bridge networks as a driver of economic growth, especially in western and southern parts of the State.
Work is expected to begin shortly, with tendering and site inspections to be carried out in the coming months. The Public Works Department (PWD) will oversee implementation. Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) Limited, a State government undertaking, will also participate in bridge construction alongside the PWD.
The government also has plans to construct four major bridges on Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Kharasrota rivers to strengthen road connectivity in the State. A total of Rs 1,264 crore is to be spent on the construction, official sources had said on March 17.
“A new Odisha State Road Policy is also being formulated. Once it is finalised, the road and bridge construction and maintenance of various engineering works can be systematic and improved,” a senior official of the Works Department had stated.
