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Connecting bridge ‘Ekta Setu’ inaugurated ahead of Rourkela Half Marathon

Newsmantra — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:55:08 +0000

A connecting bridge ‘Ekata Setu’ connecting Biju Pattnaik Hockey Stadium, Sector-5 and Ispat Stadium, Sector-6 was inaugurated by Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR), RSP on 21^st January, 2026 ahead of the Rourkela Half Marathon being organised by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). Mr. B K Jojo, CGM (TE & Horticulture), Mr. D K Palo, CGM (Mechanical), Mr. T G Kanekar, CGM (TS & CSR), many other Senior Officers and a large number of employees were present on the occasion.

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.

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Run Fever Rises as Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 Nears

Newsmantra — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:21:04 +0000

– Official Bibs and T-shirt distribution commences

With the inaugural edition of the Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 just 3 days away, run fever has gripped the steel city. The distribution of the official bibs and T-shirts for the mega sporting event commenced on 20^th January, 2026. Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR) presented the bibs along with the kits to the participants in the presence of Mr. Manas Ranjan Rath, CGM (HR), Mr. B K Jojo, CGM (TE & Horticulture), Mr. T G Kanekar, CGM (TS&CSR), and Mr. Shekhar Narayan, CGM (Sinter).

It is noteworthy that elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the Rourkela Half Marathon that is being organized to boost the ‘Fit India’ movement. Banners displaying detailed route charts have been installed at strategic locations to inform commuters about road closures and alternate traffic routes.

It is worth mentioning here that the mega sporting event has received an overwhelming response from running enthusiasts from across the country, with more than 5,800 participants registering well before the final day of registration, thereby leading to the closure of the registration process.

Out of the total registrations, over 1000 runners have signed up for the flagship 21.1 km Half Marathon category, which is considered an outstanding achievement for a first-time event of this scale. Besides more than 2000 runners from peripheral villages of Rourkela have also registered for the Marathon. The strong turnout across all categories underscores the widespread appeal of the marathon among professional athletes, amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Adding to the excitement, the Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 will witness the presence of renowned sporting personalities, including Arjun awardee Minati Mohapatra, Arjun awardee Sunil Patra, Arjun awardee Romen Ghosh, International Marathon winner Dr. Sunita Godara, Star athlete Rachitra Mistry, Rourkela’s very own Hockey star Birendra Lakra, and several other eminent sportspersons, to inspire the participants.

It is worth mentioning here that there will be 4 categories in the marathon for both men and women viz. 21.1 KM, 10 KM, 5 KM and 2 KM (for Specially-abled persons). A total prize money of Rs. 7,70,800/- has been earmarked for winners across all categories. In addition, special awards are there for rural participants and school students. Each runner completing the marathon in the assigned time will receive a medal and a digital certificate.

The Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 aims to promote fitness, endurance and a healthy lifestyle while positioning Rourkela as an emerging hub for major sporting events. With record registrations and enthusiastic public participation, the event is poised to become a landmark annual sporting fixture in the region.

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Multipronged initiatives by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant to include participants from peripheral villages in the Rourkela Half Marathon -2026

Newsmantra — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:57:57 +0000

Continuing its efforts to make the forthcoming Rourkela Half Marathon -2026 an inclusive event for the residents of Rourkela as well as nearby areas, SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant is putting extra emphasis on the sporting talents from periphery villages aligning with the theme of the marathon i.e. ‘Run for Prosperity’ that encompasses the holistic growth of the region.

Through its CSR Department, a massive campaign has been launched under which promo events are being organised in different villages. The events are witnessing enthusiastic response from the energetic rural folk. Special kiosks are being set up for the free registration of the participants for the half marathon. Notably, registration fees has been waived for rural participants and T shirts are being given to each participant registering for the half marathon. During the promo runs the participants are being provided with valuable insights about the professional marathon running. They are also learning essential techniques such as warm-up routines, correct running posture, breathing methods, pacing strategies, and post-run cooling exercises, inspiring participants to adopt a disciplined and scientific approach to the endurance sport.

The mascots of the Marathon ‘Padma’ and ‘Raja’ are adding to the attraction of the events. It is noteworthy that RSP is also making special arrangements for the transportation, lodging and boarding of the participants. Special award categories have also been created for rural participants.

Notably the first Rourkela Half Marathon is going to be organised on 24^th January 2026 and the mega event is expected to attract more than 5000 runners from all over India. The idea of including more number of rural participants is to encourage them to develop the skill sets and participate in national and international marathon events.

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