Delay in bridge construction puts lives at risk in Chakulia

Foundation stone laid 1.5 years ago, work yet to begin

Mail News Service

Chakulia: The deteriorating condition of Kaliyam Bridge, built 30 years ago on Chadaiduba Nala in Sonahatu Panchayat of Chakulia block, is raising serious concerns about public safety. This bridge, which serves as the only link between Kaliam Panchayat and the Chakulia-Dhalbhumgarh main road, is now in a dilapidated state, posing a significant risk to the villagers who rely on it. Despite the foundation stone for a new bridge being laid one and a half years ago, construction has not yet begun. The foundation stone was placed on June 9, 2023, by MP Bidyut Baran Mahato and MLA Sameer Kumar Mohanty under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana at a cost of Rs 98 lakh. However, villagers are still forced to use the old, crumbling bridge, which becomes especially hazardous during the rainy season when water overflows the culvert, leading to traffic disruptions. The fact that vehicles continue to ply on the bridge only increases the risk of a collapse.

The bridge’s poor condition has raised the alarm among local leaders and residents alike. Daso Hembram, Mukhiya of Kaliam Panchayat, expressed frustration over the delay, pointing out the negligence of both the department and the contractor. He stressed that the bridge is the only connection between the Panchayat and the block headquarters, and yet the construction has not started despite the foundation stone being laid more than a year ago. Gopal Patra, a representative from Sonahatu Panchayat Samiti, echoed these concerns, saying that many accidents have already occurred due to the bridge’s dangerous state. He emphasized that the bridge is on the verge of collapse, making immediate construction crucial for the safety of the community.

The situation has become especially dire for students and daily commuters who rely on the bridge to travel to school, college, and work. During the rainy season, water flows over the bridge, causing traffic to halt, making it difficult for students to attend school or college. Bhagirath Mahato, a resident of Kaliam, highlighted the ongoing risks, stressing that the bridge’s collapse could disrupt the entire community’s daily life. While the Rural Works Department had approved the construction of a new bridge at a cost of Rs 98 lakh, the project has been delayed due to the revision of the cost estimate, which is still awaiting approval. Amit Kumar Thakur, a Junior Engineer with the Rural Works Division in Jamshedpur, confirmed the delay and assured that construction would begin as soon as the revised estimate is approved.

In the meantime, residents continue to risk their lives by using the old bridge, hoping for swift action from the authorities. The delay in starting the construction is exacerbating the already dangerous situation, and local leaders are urging the concerned officials to prioritize the safety of the public and begin construction as soon as possible.