Bhubaneswar: Fearing non-completion of the project on time, the works department has decided to construct only one foot overbridge on the Bidyut Marg near Kalinga Stadium, instead its earlier plans to build two.

Department officials, during the third executive meeting of the empowered committee, told the government that it would be impossible to complete construction of two overbridges near Kalinga Stadium before the hockey world cup.

"We had identified the places for construction of the bridges and also floated a tender. However, during a pre-tender meeting, it was felt that it would not be possible to complete both the projects within the fixed timeframe," said an official of the works department.

He said that the decision had been communicated to the empowered committee and it was approved. "We don't want to risk it since we have cut short the number. We want to be specific with our plan and complete what we decide," said the official.

In January, the authorities had decided to construct two foot overbridges near the stadium to facilitate movement of visitors during the upcoming hockey world cup in November. Accordingly, a survey was done to select the sites for construction of the bridges.

"It was found out that the distance between the two bridges would be 340 meters and it will not be wise to construct them in such short distance. One foot overbridge will also suffice the need of the people. The new site for the bridge would be between Gate No. 4 and 5 of the stadium," said another department official.

Works department chief engineer (roads) Om Prakash Patel said the plan had now been amended and a fresh tender would be floated shortly.

"We are planning to begin the work on the bridge in the next one month and make all-round efforts to complete the same before September," said Patel.

Nayapalli resident Sarbeswar Hota said the hockey world cup was going to be the city's biggest ever event and the administration was taking steps to upgrade the infrastructure. However, they should plan things that can be accomplished. "It is quite wise decision of the government," said Hota, a sports lover.