CUTTACK: A newly-constructed bridge connecting Dhabaleshwar Temple on an island of the Mahanadi with Cuttack will be thrown open to people on Wednesday.
The 16th century shrine was inaccessible after a temporary wooden bridge was washed away on June 30, following a surge in the water of the Mahanadi. “The bridge has been inspected and is now all set for use. It will lead to an increase in flow of devotees to the shrine,” said collector (Cuttack) Bhabani Shankar Chayani.
The works department started construction of the Rs 22.28 crore bridge in 2021. The 276 metres long and 6.2 metres wide bridge will connect Mancheswar village to Dhabaleswar Temple in Athagarh. An approach road to the bridge has also been built. “A parking lot has been demarcated near the approach road,” said deputy collector Diptimayee Behera, in-charge of the temple.
“Only pedestrians will be allowed on the bridge,” she added.
As the shrine is located on a Mahanadi river island, it became inaccessible to devotees after the suspension bridge was shut for repair work on detection of cracks. The repair work is yet to get over.