Ramakanta Biswas

Malkangiri: Within one and a half year after the Gurupriya Bridge in the cut off area of Malkangiri district was thrown open to the public, cracks have reportedly developed on the bridge, raising a question mark on the quality of work undertaken.

According to sources, expansion joints on pillar No 16 of the bridge got twisted recently opening up a fissure on the bridge. The works department has cordoned off the area and is undertaking the repair work.

After the matter came to light, local public of the region have expressed their apprehensions and raised questions on the quality of works undertaken while constructing the bridge.

“The bridge is the lifeline for 151 cut off villages of Swabhiman Anchal. As we see the repair works are being undertaken just one and a half year after its inauguration, we fear passing over the bridge,” said a resident.

“As the bridge now needs repair, it has exposed the poor quality of work and also created fear among the people who use it on a daily basis,” said another resident.

On the other hand, the concerned authorities have said that the damage needs minor repair work and will complete in a day or two.

“The expansion joint angle got bent and it is being replaced. But there is nothing to worry as it is a minor issue and can resolved in a day or two. Besides, it will not affect vehicular movement in any way," said Works department junior engineer Suresh Chandra Mishra.

Notably, the Gurupriya Bridge was finally inaugurated on 26th July 2018 several years after being delayed due to various reasons most prominently among them being Maoist threat. After inauguration, it has now enabled free access to people of as many as 151 villages in the cut-off area across the Balimela reservoir.

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