Jeypore (Koraput): Traffic on National Highway 326 was disrupted for nearly five hours on Tuesday after residents of Patraput village in Jeypore blocked the road, demanding immediate repair of the ageing Patraput bridge over the Kolab River.
The protestors claimed that the 94-year-old iron bridge, constructed in 1931 during the British era, has become structurally weak and poses a risk to thousands of commuters who depend on it for movement between Koraput and Malkangiri districts. Despite several complaints to the district administration, the villagers alleged that no concrete steps had been taken to begin repair work.
Heavy vehicles continued to use the bridge even as its railings and deck showed signs of damage, triggering safety concerns among locals.
“We have repeatedly informed officials, but no action was taken. So we were forced to block the highway,” one of the villagers said.
Following the blockade, Boipariguda Tahsildar Singdha Choudhury, officials of the highway department and police personnel reached the spot to hold discussions with the protestors.
Choudhury said that the administration had taken note of the demands and initiated immediate repair of the damaged railings.
“The NH authorities have assured that road repair work will begin within 5 to 7 days. The alternative bridge project has also been approved and tenders have been invited. Work is expected to begin by March 2027,” she said.
Executive Engineer of the NH Jeypore Division, Gouranga Prasad Majhi, who also inspected the location, said the department had earlier repaired potholes in the area following complaints from villagers.
“An alternative bridge will be constructed at a cost of Rs 9.65 crore along with approach roads,” Majhi added.
After receiving assurances from the administration, the protestors withdrew the blockade, and traffic movement on NH-326 resumed.
