Gurupriya Bridge is a Bridge of Progress and identity of Malkangiri: Odisha CM

KalingaTV News Network

Malkangiri: “Gurupriya Bridge is a Bridge of Progress and will be the identity of Malkangiri,” said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while inaugurating the much-awaited bridge in the cut-off areas of the Maoist-hit district today.

Taking to his twitter handle Patnaik said, “Built in record time of 4 years overcoming several odds & obstacles #PragatiraSetuGurupriya reflects #Odisha’s steely resolve. The term cut-off is history from this historic day. With renewed esteem, they will now be Swabhiman Areas. Bande Utkala Janani.”

The CM also paid his homage to those martyred for the bridge and appeal the Maoists to forsake violence and join the mainstream of the society.

“My homage to those martyred for the bridge. Peace is of utmost importance for progress. #GurupriyaSetu is a harbinger of peace. I appeal left wing extremists in the region to forsake violence and embrace progress that the bridge brings to the region.”

Naveen called the Gurupriya Bridge as the pride of the nation which symbolises peace, cooperation and progress.

“At the core of development is connectivity. #GurupriyaSetu is a national pride & symbolises peace, cooperation & progress. It is a testimony to our commitment to integrate all parts of #Odisha to mainland & thereby to prosperity. It is our dream come true #BridgeOfProgress.”

He further said that “#GurupriyaSetu signifies a resurgent #Odisha, will transform lives in 151 villages that were cut-off for 5 decades. It is not just a bridge, it will be the identity & Swabhiman of #Malkangiri. I dedicate this special project to people of #Odisha & India #JaiJagannath.”

Former Chief Minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik had laid the foundation stone of the 910-meter-long Gurupriya setu in 1982 and again by current CM Naveen Patnaik in 2000.

The bridge will connect 151 villages across the Balimela reservoir with the main land of Malkangiri. It will be the lifeline for more than 20,000 inhabitants of these cut-off area villages, as people have been relying on the ferry boats to visit Chitrakonda or Malkangiri for medical, marketing and other purposes.

Moreover, the bridge will help the security personnel to take on left wing extremists in the cut-off region.

Apart from inaugurating the bridge, the CM inaugurated a newly-built hospital building on the premises of the District Headquarters Hospital. Besides, he laid foundation stones for several other development projects.

Patnaik also gave away benefits to the beneficiaries under different schemes.