The Centre has approved construction of a bridge over Hirakud dam, located in Sambalpur district of Odisha. The Hirakud dam across the Mahanadi river is one of the longest earthen dams in the country. A budget of Rs 274 crore has been allocated for the bridge.

In a letter to the Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari, Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said: “As you are aware, infrastructure development has been at the core of the government’s efforts to fuel economic growth. In our pursuit towards the mission, my ministry has undertaken construction of a number of highway projects with enhanced focus of providing better connectivity to the remote areas in the state of Odisha.”

The projects which have been cleared by the ministry include construction of a bridge across Hirakud dam reservoir, widening and strengthening of Patnagarh-Padmapur road and widening and strengthening of Bahagarh-Bhatli-Ambabhona road in western Odisha. All the works would be done at a cost of Rs 368.5 crore. The money would be released from the central road and infrastructure fund.