NHAI assures to begin work on Brahmani Bridge soon

Bhubaneswar: Amid mudslinging between State and Centre over construction of the second bridge on Brahmani River near Rourkela, the NHAI authorities today held discussions with Chief Secretary AP Padhi at the Secretariat and assured to start the project soon after getting necessary approvals from State.

“We have discussed all projects including some under Bharatmala scheme. The work on the second bridge on Brahmani River will begin very soon. We are waiting for some statutory approvals from necessary authorities. Chief Secretary has assured us all help. We are fully prepared to begin the project. We will award tender as soon as we get the required clearances,” NHAI member (project) Anand Singh told reporters after meeting the Chief Secretary.

Recently Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had written to Odisha government citing that lack of clearances from the Odisha Forest department led to the delay in construction of the bridge.

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Odisha refuted the claims citing that the proposed Brahmani bridge site is on non-forest land and no clearances are necessary. CM Naveen also said that if the centre is not serious about the project then the state government will build it with its own funds.

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