Sambalpur, 26th Sept 2025: Massive corruption has been observed in the construction of the newly built Durgapali Railway Overbridge (ROB). The work was undertaken by a leading state government agency, Odisha Construction Corporation (OCC). Despite OCC being responsible for the construction, action against the concerned department has been sluggish.
The Durgapali Railway line connects Sambalpur city to the National Highway and during train operations, local commuters faced severe hardships due to the lack of proper infrastructure. Because of the growing traffic inconvenience, there had been demands for many years to construct an ROB at this location.
Though the bridge was eventually constructed after delays, the inauguration date was postponed multiple times. Finally, it was inaugurated on 25th May 2025, with joint funding from the Central and State Governments at a cost of ₹60.43 crore.
The ROB, which is 947 meters long and 12.5 meters wide, had its central portion (above the railway track) constructed by the Railway Department, while the approach roads on both sides were entrusted to the Works Department. The approach roads alone cost ₹32.84 crore.
To ensure quality, the construction responsibility was assigned to OCC instead of any private contractor. However, the OCC reportedly carried out substandard construction work. Shockingly, on the very day of the inauguration (25th May), sinkholes appeared in 2-3 places on the Durgapali side of the bridge. Though emergency repairs were made that day, later another major depression formed beside the previously damaged area due to soil subsidence.
That evening, near Lakshmigudi, on the side of the National Highway, the road again caved in, trapping a truck. And this wasn’t the end — three more sinkholes have appeared at different places on different days since then. Although repairs were promptly carried out each time, it has raised serious concerns.
Allegations have emerged that the Works Department failed to properly supervise the substandard work carried out during the construction. People assumed that since a government agency (OCC) was handling the project, the work would be of good quality — and thus oversight was minimal.
Had the responsible engineers from the department remained vigilant during construction, this situation may have been avoided.
When asked about the issue, the Superintending Engineer of the Works Department said:
“Although OCC is a government agency, we have sent them an official letter asking them to carry out necessary repairs.”