Odisha bridge caves in: Traffic blocked between Bhawanipatna and Nuapada

A bridge over the Tel River in Turkel, Kalahandi district, caved in on Saturday, disrupting connectivity between Bhawanipatna and Nuapada. The incident has left hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides, causing major inconvenience for commuters.

Authorities were quick to respond. Police personnel reached the site to warn locals and ensure safety, while the SDO of the Public Works Department inspected the bridge to assess the situation. Officials from the department stated that the bridge has not suffered any significant structural damage, though traffic remains blocked until further notice.

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Local residents have expressed concern over the disruption and urged authorities to carry out urgent repairs to restore normal connectivity.

“Hundreds of vehicles depend on this bridge on a daily basis. Moreover, this is the only connectivity between Khariar and Bhawanipatna. A team had come from Delhi for inspection on January 28. As the bridge was in a dilapidated condition, it collapsed due to the district administration’s negligence. Hundreds of vehicles are now stuck on both sides of the bridge. Vehicular movements have come to a standstill. We demand immediate steps in this regard,” demanded a local.

The collapse has highlighted the need for regular maintenance of critical infrastructure in the district to prevent such incidents in the future.

Commuters are advised to take alternative routes until the bridge is repaired. Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure swift action and minimise disruption for travellers and local residents.

When contacted, SDO Bhubaneswara Sabar said, "The bridge hasn't caved in so much. It hasn't suffered much structural damage, with what we see from its appearance."