Rayagada Due to lack of maintenance, the incomplete overbridge road at Rayagada is in a deplorable condition. In big cities, overbridges are an essential part for smooth traffic flow, reducing congestion and accidents. However, if proper maintenance is not done after construction, the condition becomes pitiable and people suffer. Such a situation is currently seen in Rayagada’s lifeline — the overbridge road. Because of its poor condition, people are enduring hardship.
To improve the deplorable state of the Rayagada overbridge, several discussions have been held with departmental officials. A tender was called for the permanent construction of the bridge with an estimated cost of 4 to 5 crore rupees. However, no contractor was willing to take up the project, leading to its delay. This is posing a serious threat to everyone. Therefore, Koraput Lok Sabha MP Saptagiri Ulaka has written a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging the departmental tender to be called immediately and for prompt action to be taken.
MP Saptagiri sarcastically remarked that while the double-engine government is running in different directions without any ideal developmental work even after one year, the engines are functioning in different directions.
During the Kalbaishakhi and pre-monsoon rains, the patches on the overbridge road have lifted and caused potholes, making the road very risky for commuters. Consequently, traffic congestion on the underpass is increasing day by day.
In the recent legislative assembly session, Rayagada MLA Kajraka Apalswami questioned Law, Construction, and Revenue Minister Prithiraj Harichandan about the overbridge. Due to its deplorable condition, many accidents and even fatalities have occurred on the Rayagada lifeline flyover. The bridge, which is only 93 meters long, has large potholes ranging from 2 to 8 inches deep, and rust has caused cracks in more than 90 places on the bridge.
This flyover was constructed in the southern Masih area of Rayagada. However, why is the overbridge repeatedly peeling off and not fully repaired? While maintenance work has begun, several industrial units regularly use this key road daily with heavy vehicles. The upper layer of the damaged overbridge has been repaired periodically.
The repair and restoration plans have been estimated and sent to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. After approval, the tender will be called, and the work will commence, the minister assured in the house.
It is reported that on May 4, the safety railing of the overbridge broke and a bulldozer tanker fell down. Due to long-term lack of repairs, the safety railings have deteriorated. Despite this, there has been no proposal from the administration or political parties for a new overbridge. Intellectuals have expressed concern that the bridge is dangerous not only for Rayagada residents but also for drivers from outside the state and other southern states who use this bridge for transit.
Contractors are not participating in tenders: MP
Rayagada connects Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri districts along with neighboring Andhra Pradesh and other southern states through direct routes. It also connects to the state capital, Bhubaneswar.
Although this road has been declared National Highway No. 326 for the last four years, since 1990 daily traffic problems have increased in the city. Hence, a new flyover is urgently needed.
MLA Kajraka Apalswami asked whether the government will order the construction of a new flyover.
In reply, Minister Harichandan said that on National Highway No. 326, Rayagada’s overbridge has 40…
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