British-Era iron bridge in Odisha on the brink of collapse, no bypass in sight

Also Read: This 13th-century architectural marvel in Puri is Odisha’s oldest surviving bridge

 Known as the Patraput Iron Bridge in Koraput district, it was constructed by the erstwhile British government in 1931, and despite its heritage value, it now stands in a dangerously dilapidated condition.

Also Read: This 13th-century architectural marvel in Puri is Odisha’s oldest surviving bridge

According to sources, the historic bridge, which connects Odisha with Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh, handles hundreds of vehicles every day.

Due to a lack of maintenance and mounting pressure from increasing traffic, frequent traffic jams and structural strain have become a daily affair.

Many locals claim the bridge appears to be “groaning under pressure”, warning that a major accident is just a matter of time if no action is taken.

Repeated discussions have been held in Zilla Parishad meetings to construct an alternative bypass or a new bridge, but no concrete steps have been taken.

Meanwhile, heavy vehicles continue to ply over the weakened iron structure, occasionally triggering minor accidents and further damaging the bridge.

Despite this, the National Highways division claims there is no immediate threat, assuring that repairs will begin soon, and tenders for a new bridge will be invited shortly.

The alleged gap between ground reality and official assurance, however, continues to worry residents and commuters alike.

“A tender was previously floated in 2022, and the work was awarded to a contract firm from Bilaspur. As the firm did not start the work, its contract was subsequently terminated,” NHAI Executive Engineer, Gouranga Prasad Majhi, said to OTV.

“A fresh estimate of Rs 23.84 crore was sent for approval, which is still pending with the ministry concerned. After obtaining due approval, we will float the tender again. However, annual maintenance of the old iron bridge is regularly being carried out,” the senior NHAI official stated when contacted.