Jeypore, 22nd Oct 2025: A new bridge will be constructed over the Kolab River near Patraput. After the previous tender was cancelled, a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. According to this revised DPR, the project has now been approved at an estimated cost of ₹21.21 crore. An official letter regarding this approval was received today. The construction work will commence after the tender is finalized, according to Gaurang Majhi, Executive Engineer of the National Highway Division.
Old Bridge in Dangerous Condition, Demands for New Bridge Met
The existing iron bridge near Patraput, built 94 years ago during British rule (in 1929), is in a deteriorated and hazardous state. This bridge is a key part of National Highway 326, connecting Andhra Pradesh and Malkangiri to Chhattisgarh and Telangana via Lamtaput.
Due to its poor condition, there have been persistent demands from various organizations for the construction of a new, safer bridge. At one point, a protest tent had even been set up demanding swift action.
Thousands of heavy vehicles cross the old iron bridge daily. Over time, it has weakened significantly, and many of its iron angles have been stolen. The bridge has become structurally unsafe. Previously under the Rural Works Department, it was transferred to the National Highway Department in 2016–17.
Project Delayed by Cancellations and Contractor Failures
About three years ago, the department proposed building an alternative bridge to the west of the existing one, estimating the cost to be ₹22.84 crore. However, due to various reasons, the tender process had to be cancelled twice.
Eventually, the third tender was awarded to contractor Brajesh Agrawal from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, for ₹18.70 crore. The contract agreement was signed on 11 November 2019, but due to multiple delays and failure to begin work despite repeated notices, the contract was later cancelled by the department.
Once again, demands were raised by different organizations to restart the tender process and begin construction. Subsequently, a new DPR was prepared by a private agency, estimating the cost at ₹22.84 crore, and it was submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi for approval.
Revised Budget Approved at ₹21.21 Crore
Due to certain factors, the estimated cost was revised, and finally, the Ministry approved a budget of ₹21.21 crore for the new bridge. Whether the design is based on the old DPR or a newly revised design will be known once the final report is received, according to department sources.
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