Cuttack: The newly-constructed concrete bridge connecting Dhabaleswar shrine in Athagarh area of Odisha’s Cuttack district was opened for public usage from today.

Although the construction work is not fully completed, devotees will be granted access to the bridge, enabling them to visit the ancient 16th century shrine.

"In view of the sacred Shravan month, the bridge connecting Dhabaleswar Temple will be opened for devotees and Kaudiyas. The official inauguration will take place once the project work is finished," said Athagarh MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain.

The state government has spent Rs 22.28 crore for construction of the concrete bridge to Dhabaleswar shrine. The 276-metre long and 6.2-metre wide bridge project was taken up under the Biju Setu Yojana of the state government.

Notably, the temporary road connecting Dhabaleswar shrine was washed away on June 30 due to inflow of significant amount of water in the Mahanadi river.

Subsequently, the shrine had become inaccessible for visitors.

Earlier in November last year, the suspension bridge connecting the temple was closed for public usage due to repairing work after detection of cracks by an expert team.

The shrine, located on an island of Mahanadi river, draws many devotees. They used to reach the temple either by boats or through the suspension bridge, which was constructed in 2006.