Berhampur: Nearly 50 passengers were stranded in Chilika lake for over two hours on Wednesday after a motorboat carrying them and around 20 motorcycles developed an engine snag during its journey from Janhikuda near Rambha in Ganjam district to Satapada in Puri district. The vessel reportedly broke down near Mahinsa village, leaving passengers stranded. Panic gripped those on board, including college students and children.According to passengers, repeated attempts by the boat operator to repair the engine failed. After nearly two hours, another boat reached the spot and rescued all passengers, ferrying them safely to the shore before they continued their journey to Satapada. Police said no injuries were reported.Residents said such incidents are not uncommon on the six-km Janhikuda-Satapada route. The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) had earlier dredged a navigation channel for boats operating on the route, but locals alleged that siltation has since reduced navigability and increased risks.The water route remains a lifeline for people in the area due to the absence of a bridge connecting Janhikuda and Satapada. “People from over 90 villages in Krushna Prasad block depend on this route and are forced to undertake risky journeys across the lagoon,” said local leader Subash Jena, who has been spearheading a campaign for construction of a bridge over Chilika. He said the demand has remained unresolved despite govt assurances.