A 308-metre-long bridge built at a cost of Rs 8.86 crore in Madhya Pradesh is ready, but the approach roads remain unfinished even after three years. With nearly a kilometre of road missing on either side, the bridge is difficult to access, turning a project meant to improve connectivity into a headache for local residents.The bridge spans the Dudhi River in Umrodh village, in the Bankhedi area of Narmadapuram district.
It was built to connect Narmadapuram and Narsinghpur districts. However, villagers continue to struggle with muddy tracks, waterlogging and potholes, while the bridge remains unused.During the monsoon, the approach road turns muddy and waterlogged.
Once the rains recede, the mud dries up, leaving the stretch riddled with potholes. Reaching the bridge itself becomes a challenge.Once operational, the bridge is expected to benefit around 40 to 50 villages in the two districts.
It would save residents a long detour to reach Narsinghpur, make travel easier for farmers and improve access to healthcare services. But three years after the bridge was completed, the missing approach roads continue to hold up these benefits.
The delay has also raised questions about the use of public money and accountability for completing the project.The Bridge Construction Department says it has sent details of the matter to the state government. A decision will be taken at the government level on which department should construct the approach roads. “The bridge over the Dudhi River stands ready, but the missing link continues to keep it out of reach for villagers.
They will have to wait for the government to decide which department will build the approach roads before the bridge can serve its intended purpose,” Keshav Raidas, SDO, Bridge Construction Department, Narsinghpur, told India Today.- Ends