Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation plans to spend Rs 10.8 crore to build nine foot overbridges under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation of Urban Transformation. However, three such bridges, for which foundation stone was laid during the Local Self-government Day celebrations in 2012, have made little progress. Only the one at Jayadev Vihar has made substantial progress. The Telegraph takes a look at the state of overbridges planned three years ago.

LEFT IN THE LURCH
♦ Deadline was August 31, 2014, but the delay was due to a change in location at Jayadev Vihar. Engineers did not allow the structure near an autorickshaw stand because of inadequate space. Project cost was around Rs 1.3 crore

♦ The project at Rupali Square got delayed from the beginning as several shop owners opposite RD Women’s University raised voice against the location

♦ For the Ashok Nagar bridge, soil testing was done and the structural design is also ready. But, because of the public works department’s flyover project at Station Square, the civic plan remains stalled 

FRESH PROMISE 
♦ The nine places earmarked for foot overbridges would also have provision for cycle tracks and footpaths for pedestrians. However, considering the delay in executing the earlier projects, this may also end up as a challenging job

BRIDGE THE GAP

The city traffic is growing rapidly. Crossing busy roads, especially by elderly and kids, has become tougher. More foot overbridges should be developed 
Natabara Panda, Jayadev Vihar resident

The issue with the traders near Rupali Square is going to be settled shortly and we can start the work there
Ananta Narayan Jena, mayor

First, the works department’s flyover plan, and now, re-opening plan of the underpass beneath the Rajmahal flyover may change the location of the foot overbridge. The new bridge will not face any problem
Srimanta Mishra, deputy commissioner 
(projects and PR)