Government Orders High-Level Probe After Odisha Connect Report on Udanti River Bridge Collapse
News Report Raises Questions, Government Takes Action
The news has finally triggered action. After nearly two years of silence, the government has now started an investigation into the collapse of the newly constructed Udanti River Bridge on the Biju Expressway. A high-level committee has been formed, and a series of meetings are being held to identify the lapses behind the failure of the major infrastructure project.
The Secretary has directed officials to prepare a detailed investigation report within seven days, identify the reasons behind the failure, and speed up the restoration work.
Senior Officials Under Scanner
The sudden urgency from the department indicates that senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of Roads-II and the Chief Engineer of Design & Bridges, have finally taken notice of the issue.
Despite the newly built Udanti River Bridge developing serious damage and collapsing, the department had allegedly remained inactive for a long time. No major repair work was initiated, and the damaged bridge remained neglected.
Odisha Connect Ground Report Exposed the Reality
The Odisha Connect team had visited the ground zero location, verified facts, and presented the reality before the public.
The report highlighted how a bridge constructed with crores of rupees from public funds had allegedly turned into a danger zone for local residents instead of becoming a reliable connectivity link.
The investigation raised serious concerns over whether the project benefited contractors and officials while putting common people’s lives at risk.
Design and Construction Lapses Behind Bridge Failure
According to expert findings, serious flaws were found in the bridge design and construction process.
The foundation work reportedly had major technical issues. The soil condition beneath the bridge was allegedly misunderstood, and the piles were driven only around eight metres deep, which experts considered insufficient for a river bridge.
Apart from this, improper placement of piles beneath the piers weakened the overall structure. The use of poor-quality cement and steel reportedly resulted in cracks appearing soon after construction.
Questions Raised Over Contractor Selection
The report also questioned the process through which the construction agency received the multi-crore contract.
Questions were raised about how an agency without sufficient experience in bridge construction was selected for such a major project.
It was also alleged that senior officials of the department, including the Chief Engineer, had not signed the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD). A proof consultant reportedly approved the design without proper verification.
The biggest question remains — how was such a serious technical approval given?
Investigation Begins After Media Pressure
Following the Odisha Connect report, the department has now started taking action.
However, the real test will be how quickly the government completes the repair work and reopens the Udanti Bridge, considered an important lifeline for western Odisha.
More Projects Under the Lens
The incident has also raised concerns over several other road and infrastructure projects where alleged irregularities may have taken place.
Odisha Connect will continue its ground-level investigations and bring forward more reports highlighting issues related to public projects and accountability.