The Ministry of Railways has announced to construct four key rail bridges in Odisha to enhance rail connectivity in eastern India. The bridges will come up on Mahanadi, Birupa, Kathajodi and Kuakhai rivers in the balance section between Nergundi and Barang for the third line expansion between Bhadrak-Vizianagaram rail section (385 km).

The bridges in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode will be constructed at an estimated cost of about Rs 996.60 crore.

The bridge over Mahanadi will be the third one on the river. Spanning 2.1 km, the bridge is designed to accommodate trains travelling at speeds up to 160 km per hour, and is engineered to withstand seismic activities. The first Mahanadi rail bridge, completed in 1899, was an engineering marvel of its time, featuring 64 spans of 30 mtrs. each. The second Mahanadi rail bridge, commissioned in 2008, was constructed at a cost of Rs 120 crore.

The new Mahanadi rail bridge along with other important river bridges on Birupa, Kathajodi and Kuakhai would continue the legacy of engineering excellence.