A much-hyped flyover under construction near Tamulia level crossing in Baleswar town even after facing time and cost overrun is yet to see the light of the day

The progress of the over bridge with original estimated project of Rs 44 crore is dismal even after a lapse of nearly five years since the foundation stone was laid. The target date for completion of the bridge was September, 2017.

Even having missed the deadline, the department expects that the bridge would be completed by end of January   claiming most of the works have been completed.

However, sources besides stating that the main span work of the bridge was not completed  said  a key factor before making the bridge operational is shifting of the 33-KV line which is yet to be done, expressing apprehensions  that the opening of the bridge might be delayed for another two to three months.

Nesco Superintendent Engineer BS Parida said, “The shifting of 33 KV line would be made by the Works Department. We have only made an estimated cost of shifting the lines and handed it over to the Works Department.”

A senior official of Works claimed that the bridge would be ready by January.  “The original plan and drawing were altered by the Railways.

For the reason, the initial delay occurred for about 4-6 months to begin the work.  The height of the overhead HT wire is about 12 metres and needed to raised to19 metres. The shifting process has begun,” he added.

“The project cost is revised by another Rs 10 crore due to the delay attributed to alteration of original plan and labour problem,” he informed.

The project of Rs 44 crore budget began nearly 4 months after foundation stone laying. The slow pace of works has meanwhile irked the locals.

“The work is moving in a snail’s pace. It appears the project lacks genuine interest of the department as well as the elected representatives. It appears that it would be completed before the ensuing general elections,” a local resident Pradeep Das said.

After repeated demands and demonstrations, the foundation stone for the bridge was laid on February11, 2014 by then Railway Minister Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary, during the tenure of then MP and Union Minister Srikant Jena. The bridge construction is undertaken on 50:50 share basis of the Centre and the State.

“The bridge cost while would be equally borne by the the Centre and the State, the approach roads would be made out of the State Government’s fund,” said a department official.