New Bridge Collapses In Odisha’s Koraput, Hits Road Links

Koraput: A newly constructed bridge collapsed in Pottangi area of Odisha’s Koraput district on Saturday following heavy downpour over the last few days, disrupting vehicular movement.

No one was, however, hurt when the concrete bridge over a water body near Bailuguda village under Pottangi block caved in as heavy rain pounded the area, reports said.

Road connectivity was snapped in the area following the incident. As a result, residents of many villages under gram panchayats like Pukali, Sambai and Chandaka in Pottangi block faced difficulty in travelling to different places.

Sources said vehicular movement between Pottangi in Koraput district and Arku in Andhra Pradesh has been disrupted due to the incident.

Small traders were badly affected as many people of four gram panchayats of Pottangi block regularly visit Arku town in Andhra Pradesh to sell vegetables and other agricultural produces.

Upset over the incident, the local residents have demanded strict action against the contractor and officials concerned for poor quality of work.