Bhubaneswar: The state govt has begun the process for repair and construction of rural roads and bridges in flood-affected Balasore and Bhadrak districts. Online bidding for around 10 major road projects and a bridge project will begin on Oct 12.The office of the chief construction engineer, rural works circle, Balasore, has issued a tender notification inviting online bids for 10 road and bridge infrastructure projects under various govt schemes in the two districts. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 71.42 crore.The projects aim to improve rural connectivity and strengthen transport infrastructure in areas affected by heavy rain and floods. Eligible contractors can participate through the e-procurement portal. Bid submission will remain open from Oct 12 to Nov 3, while technical bids are scheduled to be opened on Nov 4.According to the tender notice, the projects include road improvement, new road construction and bridge development under schemes such as the Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana (MMSY) and MMSY-Disaster Resilient Roads (MMSY-DRR). The completion period for the works ranges from nine to 12 months.Several roads across the state have been damaged due to heavy rainfall this year. Many roads have also been washed away or damaged because of landslides and flood conditions.Works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has directed department officials to expedite repair and construction of roads and bridges in flood-hit areas. He recently reviewed the status of damaged roads in different parts of the state and instructed officials to ensure immediate restoration.The minister also directed departmental officers and engineers to take legal action against contracting agencies found responsible for poor-quality work or unsatisfactory performance.