A Pivotal Step for Connectivity
Odisha is gearing up for a transformative phase in its infrastructure journey, with the state government approving the construction of 32 new bridges under the Setu Bandhan Yojana for the financial year 2025–26. These projects, spread across ten strategically chosen districts, are designed to dismantle long-standing connectivity barriers, particularly in regions with geographical and logistical challenges. The initiative forms a key pillar of Odisha’s broader plan to strengthen road infrastructure and ensure smoother access to markets, education, and healthcare.
Targeted Districts for Development
The new bridges will be constructed in Bolangir, Subarnapur, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Koraput, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Puri—districts that either face difficult terrain, seasonal transport disruptions, or gaps in rural-urban road links. By prioritising these areas, the government aims to close critical infrastructure gaps and enable uninterrupted mobility for people and goods year-round.
The Role of the Setu Bandhan Yojana
Launched to address bottlenecks caused by rivers, streams, and other physical barriers, the Setu Bandhan Yojana focuses on replacing unsafe makeshift crossings—such as ferries or temporary wooden bridges—with durable, engineered structures. These bridges will not only make commuting safer but also reduce travel time, cut transport costs, and open up economic opportunities in rural belts that have remained disconnected from growth corridors.
Alignment with Vision Odisha 2036
This infrastructure push dovetails with Vision Odisha 2036, the state’s long-term economic and developmental blueprint. A robust network of roads and bridges is viewed as a catalyst for unlocking the potential of western and southern Odisha—areas historically lagging behind the coastal belt in terms of industrialisation, investment, and basic services. Improved connectivity is expected to encourage local enterprise, tourism, and agricultural trade.
Implementation and Partnerships
The Public Works Department (PWD) will spearhead the 32-bridge programme, with Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) Limited executing selected projects. Preparatory work—including tendering, site surveys, and environmental clearances—will roll out in the coming months, with construction expected to begin soon after.
In parallel, the state is advancing plans for four mega bridges over the Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Kharasrota rivers. With an estimated investment of ₹1,264 crore, these large-scale structures will strengthen key road corridors and facilitate faster inter-district connectivity.
A Policy for the Future
A new Odisha State Road Policy is in the works to streamline planning, construction, and maintenance of road and bridge projects. Officials say the policy will ensure that future developments follow a coordinated, long-term strategy, avoiding the ad-hoc approach that has previously slowed progress in remote areas.
Expected Impact on Communities
Infrastructure specialists emphasise that the benefits of bridge construction extend beyond transportation. For districts like Malkangiri and Koraput, where hilly terrain and multiple river crossings make travel arduous, permanent bridges will improve access to emergency healthcare, educational institutions, and markets. Farmers will be able to transport perishable produce faster, while communities will be less isolated during floods.
In Bolangir and Subarnapur, better road links are anticipated to draw investment into small-scale industries and stimulate tourism in heritage-rich zones like Puri and Cuttack. Residents in several districts have expressed optimism, noting that improved connectivity can pave the way for sustained socio-economic development.
Building the Foundations of Growth
The approval of 32 new bridges under the Setu Bandhan Yojana signals Odisha’s determination to bridge—not just rivers and streams—but the economic and social gaps that hinder progress in its remote corners. Coupled with mega bridge projects and a forthcoming state road policy, this initiative reflects a shift towards inclusive, well-planned infrastructure growth. If executed efficiently, these projects could redefine mobility in the state, strengthen rural economies, and move Odisha closer to its 2036 vision of a fully connected, growth-ready future.
(With agency inputs)
