Dhenkanal, Oct 21: A ₹114-crore bridge over the Brahmani river in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district remains unused despite the completion of its construction, as a dispute over the approach road in Khadagprasad village continues to delay its opening.
The Badakamar bridge was built to improve connectivity between the Hindol and Parjang areas, offering a more convenient route for commuters. However, disagreements over the alignment of the approach road on the Khadagprasad side have prevented the infrastructure project from becoming operational.
The delay has raised concerns among local residents, who question why the approach road issue remains unresolved despite the completion of the main bridge structure.
Villagers Object to Proposed Road Alignment
Residents of Khadagprasad have alleged that the proposed approach road deviates from the original design and survey plan. They claim the current proposal would route the road through an existing village road, potentially affecting hundreds of residents.
The villagers have also alleged that the alignment is being altered to accommodate the interests of a private company. They have urged the authorities to adhere to the original plan and address their concerns before proceeding with construction.
The disagreement has emerged as a major obstacle to the bridge’s opening, leaving the completed structure without its intended public utility.
Questioning the delay, villager Binod Kumar Sahu said the approach road issue should have been addressed before the bridge construction was completed.
He questioned why the authorities had not resolved the matter earlier and why discussions over the road alignment were taking place only after the main structure had been built.
PWD Assures Talks With Villagers
A Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Dhenkanal, said the bridge construction had been completed, but the approach road on the Khadagprasad side remained unresolved due to objections raised by residents.
According to the official, the department is considering the villagers’ demands and plans to hold discussions with them to find a mutually acceptable solution.
The department is also examining a revised alignment in consultation with the affected residents. The finalisation of the route is expected to determine when the remaining roadwork can begin.
Bridge Opening May Take Two More Months
PWD Superintending Engineer Jayanta Nayak said the bridge was scheduled to become operational on October 30, 2026, and that the main construction work had been completed.
However, he acknowledged that the approach road issue had delayed the opening. The department is now working to finalise the alignment after considering the demands raised by villagers.
Nayak said that if the alignment is finalised within the next two months, the approach road work could be completed, allowing the bridge to become operational.
Connectivity Gains Await Resolution
Once opened, the Badakamar bridge is expected to improve connectivity between Hindol and Parjang, reduce travel time and make transportation more convenient for people in the surrounding areas.
For now, the ₹114-crore project remains inaccessible to regular traffic, with its public benefits dependent on resolving the dispute over the approach road.
The immediate priority is to reach an agreement with the villagers, finalise the road alignment and complete the remaining work so that the bridge can serve the purpose for which it was built.