Bhubaneswar: In a major push for infrastructure development in the tribal heartland of Keonjhar, the construction of a high-level bridge over the Baitarani River on the Salapada – Anandpur Road is being fast-tracked.
The project, described as a “lifeline” for the region, recently underwent a progress review by Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Works, Odisha, and Chairman of the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Ltd. (OBCC).
Principal Secretary Shri Singh asked the officials to fast track the crucial connectivity as the high-level bridge is a crucial component of the state’s vision for ‘Viksit Odisha’ and is designed to provide all-weather connectivity, a long-standing demand of the local communities.
It is set to replace the existing structure and mitigate the severe disruptions caused by the swelling Baitarani River during the monsoon season.
According to OBCC officials, the new bridge will not only ensure uninterrupted road communication but will also link people to vital services and economic opportunities. “This bridge will be more than just a structure—it will be a lifeline for communities across Keonjhar,” an OBCC statement said. The project aims to provide seamless connectivity to markets, schools, health facilities, and jobs, thereby strengthening livelihoods and driving regional growth.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has consistently emphasized the need for robust infrastructure in tribal zones, and the OBCC is actively aligning its projects with this focus. During his review, Shri Singh directed the authorities to expedite the work, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises for the region’s development.
The project is being implemented by OBCC, a state-owned enterprise with a strong track record of building critical infrastructure. The bridge over the Baitarani River is expected to be a key enabler for the socio-economic progress of Keonjhar, a district rich in mineral resources. The construction is part of a broader strategy to improve road connectivity and unlock the economic potential of Odisha’s interior regions.
The completion of the “Keonjhar Lifeline” is eagerly awaited by the local population, who have for years faced significant challenges due to the lack of a reliable river crossing, especially during the rainy season. The new bridge is poised to usher in a new era of accessibility and prosperity for the communities it serves.