Foundation Stone Laid for ₹273.94 Crore Sampark Setu Bridge Connecting Jharsuguda and Bargarh

Jharsuguda: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari virtually laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Sampark Setu bridge project from Pujaripali Ghat in Bhubaneswar to Ambabana Jarimuli in Bargarh on Thursday. The ceremony was conducted at Bhikamapali under Lakhanpur Block in Jharsuguda district.

The 3-km-long bridge, sanctioned under the first phase with an estimated cost of ₹273.94 crore, is set to enhance regional connectivity and cut down travel time significantly. Minister Gadkari emphasized that the project should be completed swiftly to benefit the people of the region.

A public gathering was held at the Bhikamapali playground to mark the occasion. Addressing the event, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister and Brajarajnagar MLA Suresh Pujari highlighted the socio-economic significance of the bridge. He said the project will reduce the travel distance between Lakhanpur and Bargarh, which earlier spanned over 140 km, and will serve as a vital corridor connecting Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, and neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Pujari further noted that the bridge would not only ease transportation but also strengthen commercial links between the states, acting as a catalyst for regional trade and tourism. Recalling the genesis of the project, Pujari shared that the idea was first conceptualized during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when he was the Member of Parliament from Bargarh, and subsequently proposed to the then Union Transport Minister.

Terming the occasion an emotional milestone, Pujari said the bridge would usher in comprehensive development in the interior belts of Lakhanpur and adjoining regions. He also announced that close to ₹1,000 crore would be invested for the holistic development of the surrounding areas to boost tourism and allied infrastructure.

The virtual event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers Prabhati Parida and K.V. Singh Deo, and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. At the Bhikamapali venue, several dignitaries including Brajarajnagar Municipality Chairperson Gopal Sitani, Belpahar Municipality Chairperson Nimai Charan Panda, and Lakhanpur Block Chairperson Huteshwari Tihiria were present.