After Ten Years Ganderbal-Bandipora Bridge Still Awaits Finalization

After Ten Years Ganderbal-Bandipora Bridge Still Awaits Finalization

Asif Iqbal | October 1, 2023 | 11:16 AM IST | Breaking News, Ganderbal, Kashmir | Follow on Google News

After Ten Years, Ganderbal-Bandipora Bridge Still Awaits Finalization

Residents Demand Action as Incomplete Bridge Causes Inconvenience

Unclear Reasons for Halt

A crucial infrastructure project aimed at connecting the Guzhama area in Ganderbal with Shilwat in Bandipora through a bridge has been left in a state of limbo, despite its initiation several years ago. The bridge, intended to be a vital link between the Ganderbal and Bandipora districts, remains incomplete, leaving the residents of these areas in a state of inconvenience.

Locals Express Frustration

While the exact reasons for the cessation of construction remain unclear, the locals have voiced their concerns, with the authorities failing to take note of it. Fayaz Ahmad, a resident of Shilwat, lamented, “For nearly four decades, we had been pleading for a bridge here, and finally, work began in 2014, just before the elections. Some progress was made initially, but then the work abruptly came to a standstill.”

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Project’s Utility Questioned

Despite an expenditure of crores, the bridge’s completion remains elusive, leaving the people to question its utility. Residents pointed out, “Approximately 30 per cent of the work was completed after an expenditure of nearly Rs 9 crores. It is perplexing that the authorities did not intend to finish it.” Another resident highlighted that previous governments had failed to address this long-standing issue, emphasizing that the current administration led by the Lieutenant Governor must ensure the project’s resumption.

Boat Service as a Temporary Solution

Presently, locals rely on a boat service provided by the authorities to traverse the area. They face issues using the service, particularly during rainy seasons and snowfall, causing considerable inconvenience. Zahoor Ahmad Reshi, the operator of the boat service, acknowledged the hardships faced by the people and underlined the potential benefits of the bridge’s completion. He noted that with the bridge in place, residents would no longer need to take circuitous routes to travel between Bandipora and Ganderbal, despite the areas being in close proximity.

A Call for Action

Providing further insight into the bridge’s history, Muhammad Sultan Mir, the concerned Sarpanch, revealed that the project received approval in 2011, with construction commencing in 2014 but halting midway. “Over Rs 8 crore has been spent so far. I urge the LG administration to address this matter promptly,” he urged. Farooq Ahmad Bhat from Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) informed, “We have submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to nearly Rs 32 crore, awaiting administrative approval. Once that is granted, we will expedite the tendering process and resume the necessary work without delay.”

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.