Koraput: The National Highway 326 connecting Koraput and Rayagada has been disrupted due to the flooding of a temporary bridge near Banglaguda village under Borigumma tehsil in Koraput district.
According to reports, the bridge, which is crucial for daily commuters, gets submerged under water even with slight rainfall, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to travellers. The flooding of the temporary bridge has brought traffic to a grinding halt on National Highway 326. Vehicles are backed up on both sides of the bridge, with commuters facing significant delays and disruptions to their journeys.
It is being alleged that though the construction of a permanent bridge is underway, the work is progressing at a slow pace. Locals have, meanwhile, criticized the concerned company for its lethargic approach, and the authorities are being blamed for not taking timely action.
It is also learnt that the flooding of the bridge has forced commuters to take longer routes, adding to their woes. Those traveling from Koraput to Rayagada are forced to take a detour via Mohana or Malkangiri, adding an extra 40-50 kilometres to their journey.
In a separate incident, a culvert collapse near Podagada in Koraput led to trapping over 50 people inside a church. The incident happened while people from Christian community were heading to Maria Centre for prayer. The culvert, located on a busy route, gave way, causing widespread panic and disruption.
