Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march past to the tune of Gyan Jyoti Public School Band by 61 contingents. Scouts, Guides, Combat and Civilian troupes from various educational institutions of the City, troupes from CISF including RSP’s Fire Services, Nurses Training Institute and SAIL Hockey Academy added colour to the splendid march past. The team of students of Delhi Public School presented the national anthem. Mr. Ratan Kumar, DIG, CISF was present on the dais.

In his Republic Day address, the Director In-Charge said that the spirit of patriotism resonated across the Steel City on the occasion. He highlighted the 150^th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, the iconic composition that inspired India’s freedom struggle, and underscored Odisha’s pioneering role in the movement including the historic Paika Rebellion of 1817, martyrs like Veer Baji Rout, as well as the legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

Quoting the inspiring words of Odisha’s legendary freedom fighter, Ramadevi, that “Freedom is meaningful only when women stand equal to men,” the DIC highlighted that the Rourkela Half Marathon witnessed a remarkable participation of women, accounting for nearly 30% of the runners.

The DIC congratulated each and every employee of RSP and all other stakeholders for the outstanding achievements in calendar year 2025 which saw strings of records, new benchmarks and newer products enriching the product basket.

“Viksit Bharat – 2047 is the shared dream and responsibility of all 140 crore Indians. From this land of Rourkela, where steel is made to strengthen the Nation, let us give our absolute best through our energy, innovation, and integrity, so that our country touches the pinnacle of self-reliance,” the DIC added.

The DIC also presented Ati utkrishtha and Utkrishtha awards to CISF Personnel, Jawahar Awards, RSP Gaurab Awards, and the best performing contingents award on this occasion.

A similar function was held at Sector-22 Mini Stadium, in which Mr. Verma unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the colourful march past presented by 36 contingents. He also presented awards to the best contingents of the Republic Day parade. The DIC also declared a special award of Rs. 10,000/- each to Junior Boys Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Kainthabasa and Girls team of Birsa Munda Adarsha High School for their beautiful March past.  The Band platoon of SSRV Ispat English Medium School, Sector- 22 presented the band on this occasion.

Present on  the occasions were Mrs. Namrata Verma, President (Deepika Mahila Sanghati), Mr. B K Giri, ED (MD-CMLO), Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury ED (Projects), Mrs. Smita Giri, Dr. (Mrs.) Pratigna Palai, Mrs. Reeta Rani, Mrs. Bandana Singh, Mrs. Navaneeta Pal Chowdhury, all Vice President of Deepika Mahila Sanghati and other senior officers of RSP and  a large number of spectators. The programmes were organised by the Social Welfare wing of RSP in association with other departments of RSP.

A similar function was organized by Deepika Mahila Sanghati at Deepika Jagriti Sansthan, Sector-2 to celebrate Republic Day. Mrs. Namrata Verma hoisted the National Flag in the presence of the Vice Presidents, and  office bearers of the Sanghati.

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Notably, the 34-metre bridge will provide smooth passage for the participants as well as dignitaries to Ispat Stadium which is the venue of the Mega Sporting Event to be held on 24^th January, 2026. The Structural & Fabrication Shop with support from Design Department and Civil Engineering (Services) Department has safely erected the massive structure using in-house resources. Around 12 tons structural have been fabricated in the bridge. The in-house effort has resulted not only in saving substantial cash outflow, but also showcases the technical expertise and collaborative effort of RSP collective.

With more than 5,800 runners from across the country expected to participate in the mega sporting event, elaborate arrangements are being put in place to ensure easy access, seamless movement and smooth conduct of the marathon. Adequate infrastructural facilities and coordinated efforts of various departments are ensuring that the event is conducted in an efficient and well-organised manner. Banners displaying detailed route charts have been installed at strategic locations to inform commuters about road closures and alternate traffic routes.

For the smooth conduct of the event, some major roads of the city will remain temporarily closed from 12:00 midnight of 23rd January (Friday) to 12:00 noon of 24th January (Saturday). During this period, the following routes will remain completely closed to traffic: Sector-6 BSNL Chowk to Ispat Stadium; Ispat Stadium to Sector-4 Madhuban Chowk; Madhuban Chowk to Ambagan Chowk; and Airport to Airport Chowk via Ring Road up to the Estate Office. However, till 6:00 a.m. on 24th January, and thereafter only in cases of medical emergencies, pedestrians will be permitted to cross at DPS Chowk, Sector-7/17 Chowk, Rourkela Club Chowk and Sector-5 Maintenance Booth Chowk. The students who are appearing JEE Main Entrance Examination and have Padmanav College as examination centre can reach the venue by using the road connecting Traffic Tower Chowk –Pantha Nivas- Sector-5 Trainees Hostel (Along with the IG park Boundary). The general public is requested to plan their travel accordingly, use alternate routes during this period and cooperate in making the event a grand success.

The post Connecting bridge ‘Ekta Setu’ inaugurated ahead of Rourkela Half Marathon appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.