Koel River's Lifeline: Barrage-cum-Bridge Project Nears Completion

The low-height barrage-cum-bridge over the Koel River at Hamirpur, Odisha, is set to gain momentum after the monsoon season, with a revised completion deadline of June 2026. Designed to enhance drinking water supply for Koel Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Jagda (under the Rourkela Municipal Corporation), and parts of the Rourkela Steel Plant township, the project also aims to provide irrigation support and improve cross-river connectivity.

Spanning 446.1 metres, the structure features a two-lane roadway with a width of 7.5 metres. Approximately 60 acres are required for the construction of approach roads and guide walls. The project, valued at ₹309 crore (excluding GST and land acquisition), was awarded in September 2022 with an initial 30-month timeline. However, major construction activities commenced only in January 2024 due to delays in design finalisation.

According to Superintending Engineer Dhananjay Kala, around 66% of the structural work has been completed, and efforts will intensify following the monsoon. Land acquisition is currently in progress. Once completed, the project is expected to irrigate approximately 1,200 hectares and support the stabilisation of future mega lift irrigation initiatives.

News by Rahul Yellgetti.