Governments have changed over the years in Odisha, but the hardships faced by people in several villages of Balasore district remain unchanged. Even more than 70 years after Independence, residents are still compelled to risk their lives by travelling in unsafe country boats, which continue to serve as the only lifeline for thousands.

People from around 11 panchayats, located nearly 35 km from Balasore Sadar subdivision, continue to struggle due to the absence of a proper bridge over the Dubudubi river situated between Kasafal and Alumeda panchayats. Every day, residents cross the deep river under risky conditions using small country boats. Along with passengers, bikes and bicycles are also transported in these overloaded boats.

Surprisingly, this situation is not from a remote or inaccessible region but from an area merely 30 km away from Balasore Sadar subdivision. Boatmen reportedly use two ropes to pull the boats from one riverbank to another while carrying both people and vehicles.

Residents say avoiding the river crossing is not a practical option, as it would force them to travel an additional 40 km by road. With no alternative transportation available, country boats have become the sole mode of connectivity for thousands in the area.

“As there is no bridge, we are forced to cross the river in country boats. Otherwise, we would have to travel more than 20 km by road. Although it is unsafe, we have no other alternative. I have been waiting under the scorching sun for hours just to cross the river,” said Nilima Jena, a local resident.

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“We face even greater difficulties during the rainy season. We are hopeful that a bridge will be constructed soon. The construction of the bridge will greatly benefit local residents and improve their daily lives,” said Narayan Mallick, another local resident.

Despite repeated demands from locals, progress on the proposed bridge project has remained minimal. Since 2017, only two pillars have been erected in the name of bridge construction. During the previous government’s tenure, the project had been tendered and the construction company was directed to complete the work by 2019. However, years later, the project remains incomplete.

Documents reveal that after the new government came to power, the Rural Works Division repeatedly issued notices to the concerned company in 2025 regarding bill payments and execution of project work. However, the company allegedly failed to respond to these communications. Following this, the government blacklisted the company, a decision that has now reportedly been challenged in court.

Meanwhile, amid legal disputes and administrative hurdles, local residents continue to bear the brunt of the prolonged delay. In a fresh development, the government has now awarded the bridge project to another company and directed it to complete the construction at the earliest. The estimated cost of the project stands at Rs 5.85 crore.

“The piling work has already started. A target has been set to complete the work within 12 months,” said RD Balasore Division Executive Engineer Soubhagya Das.