Monsoon Approaches but Talada Biju Setu Remains Incomplete — Locals Still Forced to Cross River by Risky Boat Journeys
Kakatpur, 29/5: As the monsoon nears and river levels are expected to rise, residents of the Talada island region in Astarang block once again brace for perilous journeys across the swollen Devi River — just like every year. The construction of the Biju Setu bridge, meant to connect Khandasahi and Talada, remains incomplete even after eight long years.
Despite multiple crores of rupees being sanctioned from the state treasury, the project has not been completed within the designated time. As a result, the people of Talada continue to face severe transportation challenges. Elderly people, students, and patients all remain dependent on small boats for travel. Every day, people along with bicycles, motorcycles, goods, and daily essentials are ferried across the river in overcrowded boats.
Shockingly, no life jackets are provided in any of the boats, putting passengers in extreme danger. Crossing the river in such conditions could result in a tragic incident at any time.
The foundation stone of the bridge was laid in 2013, and construction began on January 16, 2014, with a deadline for completion by July 15, 2016. However, despite the project going through three separate tenders, the bridge remains incomplete. Concerned over the delay, local youth Amiya Barik took to Twitter and tagged Mo Sarkar 5T, CM Odisha, and the Department of Water Resources, demanding immediate action. The department responded, promising the bridge would be completed by March 2023, but March has passed, and now it’s June, yet the work remains unfinished.
When asked, the local Sarpanch stated that it would take another three to four months to complete the construction. Locals are now appealing to the State Government to intervene immediately and ensure swift completion of the bridge to end the suffering of the people in this river-bound region.
