Craters on the Mahanadi bridge pose a threat to commuters. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Aug. 20: The Mahanadi bridge on NH-6 on the outskirts of this town is in need of urgent repair. Several craters on its surface pose serious threat to the lives of commuters.

“Thousands of vehicles pass through this bridge, which connects Mumbai to Calcutta, everyday. The authorities concerned should take immediate steps for its repair and maintenance,” he said.

“The bridge, which is more than 60-year-old, also connects Sambalpur with Burla. It was repaired a few years ago. But, its condition has deteriorated again because of lack of maintenance,” said Amulya Sahu, a local resident.

“Craters can be seen at several places on the surface of the bridge. It is causing serious inconvenience to passengers,” said Narayana Behera, a truck driver.

Construction of the bridge started in 1948 and it was completed in 1950. Earlier, the bridge was under the jurisdiction of the Sambalpur division of National Highways, Odisha.

However, it was later handed over to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI is now executing the four-laning work of the highway from Ainthapali to Luhurachati.

Executive engineer of the Sambalpur division of National Highways, Odisha, Pradeep Kumar Sutar said: “The road from Ainthapali to Luhurachati, along with the bridge, has been handed over to the NHAI. They should repair and maintain the bridge from their funds.”

Project director of NHAI Chandrakant said: “We have a proposal to repair the bridge and it will start after the rainy season.”