Kendrapara: A portion of an under-construction bridge over Asrunkhala canal at Mantei village of Antei panchayat under Marshaghai block of Kendrapara district collapsed today.
According to reports, the incident occurred when centering of a recently cast roof on a span of the under-construction bridge went down and caved in into the canal leading to the collapse today.
Luckily, workers engaged in the construction work had a close shave.
Construction of the bridge was undertaken under the Biju Setu Yojana (BSY) at an estimated cost of around Rs 3.70 crore in 2017.
Though five years have elapsed since then it has not been completed due to alleged neglect.
While construction of all the pillars of the bridge has been completed, casting of the roof on the spans had begun when the mishap occurred.
Locals have alleged that it was poor quality work that has caused the collapse.
The incident has triggered severe outrage among the locals who have demanded a Vigilance inquiry.
The Mantei bridge on completion would directly connect Balighai, Nuapada, Manikapur, and Batira villages in the region, facilitating communication. Over 30,000 people in the area will be benefitting from the bridge on completion.
