Baramulla, Dec 10: The decades-long-awaited 262-metre Jetty Bridge in Baramulla remains incomplete with just pillars, residents urge immediate revival to slash distances and ease traffic congestion.
The work on the vital bridge, which began in 2002 under the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), was later transferred to the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department.
Initial progress showed promise with the construction of pillars, but the project came to an abrupt halt, leaving only these pillars standing. The residents have expressed deep concern over the indefinite delay.
Officials cited a lack of funds as the primary reason for the work stoppage.
The bridge, designed to significantly ease travel by reducing the distance between Baramulla and surrounding areas by several kilometres, initially began with an estimated cost of Rs 15.65 crores, but the cost was revised to Rs 21.37 crores.
It was also planned to divert heavy traffic moving towards Rafiabad and Kupwara, thereby decongesting Baramulla’s busy markets and roads.
Residents said that the bridge’s completion is crucial to alleviate daily traffic snarls and reduce travel time for commuters, traders, students and patients. However, the incomplete structure continues to force long detours and contributes to congestion in the area.
They called for an urgent restart of construction, with demands to prioritise the project so that Baramulla can benefit from improved connectivity and reduced traffic pressures.
It is noteworthy that the Lieutenant Governor, in August 2020, while reviewing the developmental scenario in Baramulla, approved Rs 21 crore funding under JKIDFC for completing the long-pending Jetty Bridge. He had directed completion of the project within two years. (KNO)
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