Sambalpur: Uncertainty prevails over construction of the longest flyover of west Odisha by Panda Infra Limited, the firm which has been held responsible for the collapse of a portion of an overbridge in Bhubaneswar recently.
The construction of the flyover here had been suspended for more than two months since September 10, 2017, as on the same day, the flyover at Bomikhal in Bhubaneswar collapsed killing one and injuring 12 labourers, putting a question mark on the quality of the work. The work had resumed in November 2017 after clearance given by the state government.
However, works minister Prafulla Mallick on Thursday said the government was consulting legal experts, and thereafter, fresh tenders would be floated for the Sambalpur flyover.
The longest flyover had initially been planned from Dhutrapada Chowk to the old DIG office, covering a distance of 1,740 metres. Then it got extended to Nelson Mandela Chowk, stretching up to 1,881 metres. The work, started on February 12, 2016, was supposed to be over in March 2017. The company had appealed to the government to extend the construction period till June 2018. But till date, not even half the work has been done.
The inordinate delay of the project has created inconvenience for commuters of Sambalpur. During the peak office hours, the inconvenience multiplies with bikes coming from both the ends and creating congestion. The company, which was supposed to provide a service road for at least two-wheelers, also failed in constructing it. Every day, minor accidents are taking place on the road.
"We find very difficult to go to Gole Bazaar, the main market and vegetable bazaar of the town," said Pramod Patnaik, a local resident.
The state government had initially sanctioned Rs 62 crore for the project, passing through the main connecting road of the town. But after extension and raising of its heights, the cost has been escalated to Rs 90 crore.
Many voluntary organisations have raised questions on the work's quality, while the firm was building the pillars.
