Noorbagh-Qamarwari bridge misses all deadlines

Srinagar, Sep 13: Despite nearly 14 years of construction, the Noorbagh-Qamarwari Bridge Srinagar remains incomplete, having missed several deadlines over the years.
Initially scheduled for completion in 2014, the project has faced repeated delays, causing hardships for locals.
However, the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department reassured the public that progress is being made. “Tenders have been issued, and we expect the project to be completed soon,” he claimed, though he did not provide any specific date.
Residents remain skeptical, as past promises of completion have repeatedly gone unmet.
The heavy volume of vehicles on this road makes the completion of the bridge even more urgent. However, locals have grown increasingly frustrated with the authorities’ apparent lack of interest in completing the project on time.
“They are not paying any attention to it,” said an elderly resident of Qamarwari.
“The concerned department doesn’t seem to care about finishing this bridge, and we’re the ones suffering because of it.”
“Sometimes patients and ambulances get stuck in traffic jams,” a concerned local shared.
The bridge was initially scheduled to be completed in just four years. However, the project has missed multiple deadlines, leading to widespread disillusionment since 2011.
“It was supposed to be done by 2014, then 2017, and then 2018. Now it’s 2024, and we’re still waiting,” remarked another resident.
An official acknowledged the long delays, citing that several deadlines have come and gone.
“The original timeline to finish the bridge was set for 2014. Even though authorities extended the deadline several times, the work still remains incomplete,” he said, wishing not to be named.
Even the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, had earlier promised that the bridge would be completed by August this year. “We have given a timeline to the executing agency to finish the work by August,” he had said.
He further mentioned that the district administration had requested reasons for the persistent delays over the years.
The Noorbagh-Qamarwari Bridge, also known as the “Cement Bridge,” holds historical importance as it was the first concrete bridge constructed over the Jhelum River. (KINS)