Security beefed up as Gurupriya bridge nears completion

Malkangiri: With the much awaited Gurupriya bridge nearing its completion, Odisha has beefed up security owing to threats from Maoists to blow up the project which will serve as a 'lifeline' for the cut-off areas of Malkangiri district.

As the bridge is expected to usher in development in the remote and inaccessible areas of the district, it is now on the Maoist radar, informed sources. The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling while the district administration is maintaining strict vigil through CCTV cameras.

Arun Kumar Sahu, executive engineer of Works department informed that the slab construction work of the Gurupriya bridge is going on in full swing and the project is expected to be inaugurated within 15 days.

"We are alert and patrolling has been intensified as the bridge is nearing completion. CCTV and lights have been installed. Two camps have been set up and patrolling will continue even after the inauguration of the project," said Malkangiri SP, Jagmohan Meena

The 910-metre-long bridge will connect nearly nine panchayats in the cut-off areas benefitting about 30,000 people, sources said. The foundation stone for the bridge was laid in 1982 by the then chief minister, JB Patnaik and again by chief minister Naveen Patnaik in 2000.

"We have been facing problems in rushing patients to hospitals and depend on country boats. But now the communication problems will be resolved after the bridge is opened," said Bhagirathi Tanglu, a local resident.

Though the people of the remote areas have been desperately waiting for the completion of the proposed bridge, the project had missed several deadlines in the past. Recently, two piles of the 16th pillar of the bridge had developed tilt which came to notice after the water level of the river receded. Similarly, the design had to be alerted after a girder had caved in last year.