Second bridge on Mahanadi in Boudh has become uncertain. In January 2015, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone of the bridge on Mahanadi at Kharsankul village, under Harbhanga block of Boudh district. The Chief Minister expressed in the function at that time that, his government is dedicated for the development of the district. In the mean time 16 months have passed but the bridge work has yet not started. And the local peoples have expressed their discontent over the matter.
The Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently stated in a press meet while giving account of completion of two years of 4th terms of his government that, “I believe in work, not publicity”. But in reality the Odisha government has failed to deliver.
According to information, there was conflict since the starting of this project. First the Chief Minister laid foundation stone at Kharsankul village under Boudh district and later on again laid foundation stone at Athmallick of Anugul district for the same bridge.
Further, at that time Boudh MLA and Minister Pradip Amat along with Atthmallick MLA and former Minister Sanjib Sahu lobbied hard for this project. But there was conflict and cold war regarding placing the project under their selected department. Due to this conflict the project is hanging uncertain. At the time of foundation laying ceremony all leaders were present except Atthmallick MLA.
If this bridge is constructed then Boudh and Anugul district will get connected directly. Business will prosper and communication will be short and easier. Social and economic conditions of people will be impacted. It will enhance the life of the people of the region. There will be positive changes for both districts resulting development. When the Executive Engineer Manoranjan Tripathy was contacted, he says, the tender process is getting delayed due to some unknown reasons. But the bridge will be constructed.