‘Ib Setu’, the longest bridge of western Odisha dedicated to nation

Sambalpur, April 15, 2018: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on
Sunday dedicated to the nation the new bridge over IB river in Sambalpur district. At 2.5 kms, it is the longest
bridge in western Odisha and the second longest in the whole State, and was
completed in almost three years.

The bridge will chart a new course of development and inclusive growth in western Odisha. It will also act as an emotional bridge for the people of Rampela and Sapne blocks of Jharsuguda and Sambalpur cut-off by the Hirakud reservoir 50 years back and they will now have direct road connectivity to the mainland.

The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 117.50 crore from state resources, essentially the money of the people
which is being spent on development of infrastructure to aid their growth
and welfare.

The people of the western Odisha region will benefit vastly
due to easier access to their important needs, healthcare, education as well as
livelihood activities. It will reduce the distance between Jharsuguda and Sambalpur
districts by 50 km, thereby saving travelling time and costs for the people.

Connecting IB Thermal and the coal bearing regions with the
newly commissioned Biju Expressway, the new bridge will facilitate improved
transportation and create vast opportunities for the people while accelerating
economic growth in the region.