Bhubaneswar: The public works department has solved the land acquisition problem that was holding up work on the much-awaited railway overbridge at Pokhariput.

The department had taken up the bridge project in 2013 and was supposed to complete the job in 2015. However, it missed the deadline because of land acquisition hurdles. Now, the bridge is expected to get ready by next March.

Officials said the matter was resolved, and the work would resume within 15 days. "There was a problem in getting a patch of land for the project since the matter was sub-judice. Now, the matter has been resolved, and the court decision is in our favour," said chief engineer (roads) O.P. Patel.

He said the contractor had been intimated about the status and asked to resume the work. "We will demolish an encroachment on the disputed land. After that, the contractor will start work," he said.

Work had been stopped in May. Consequently, commuters faced inconvenience as the authorities failed to provide an alternative road.

"Going through the level crossing is troublesome. It prolongs travel time and poses a bumpy-road challenge. If the authorities face problems, they should provide alternative roads," said Pokharput resident Sudipta Ghosh.

The bridge is planned to have 15 pillars, of which the works department has completed work on eight. East Coast Railway has completed work on three others over the railway tracks. The department will now construct the remaining four pillars towards the Bhimtangi side.

The overbridge will be a lifeline for Pokhariput, Jagamara, Bhimtangi and Sunderpada residents.

"It is a well-planned overbridge, but it should be completed on time. It will save time for us since we will not have to cross the level crossing," said Bhimtangi resident Narayan Patra.