Bhubaneswar, Aug. 26 -- Heavy rain has damaged the side wall of the Mugpal bridge under Banshajal panchayat in Rairakhol block of Sambalpur district, Odisha, raising concerns over the safety of commuters. The damaged wall has left the bridge in a vulnerable condition even as people and vehicles continue to use the route.

The side wall had suffered damage during the previous monsoon as well. A portion had collapsed and created a gap beside the bridge, following which temporary repairs were carried out using wooden supports. With heavy rain returning this year, the wall has once again collapsed.

Local residents have raised questions over the quality of the earlier repair work and demanded a permanent solution.

"The contractor has not don...