Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 29: Construction work on the two World Bank-funded bridges in South Kashmir continues to drag on despite the passage of nine years since the commencement of these crucial projects.
The projects include the Trenz Bridge in Shopian and the Rohmoo Bridge in Pulwama, both of which were washed away in the 2014 floods. These bridges are not only crucial for connecting numerous villages but also serve as vital inter-district links, bridging the gap between the three districts of South Kashmir.
The bridges are being built at a cost of Rs 34.5 crore for the Trenz Bridge and Rs 21.5 crore for the Rohmoo Bridge, with construction starting a month after former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited the sites in May 2017.
Construction began a month after the visit of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in May 2017, with an initial projected completion time of three years. However, it has been nine years, and these projects remain unfinished.
Danish Ahmad, Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation Limited (JKPCCL), said that work on both bridges is progressing at a good pace and they are expecting the Rohmoo Bridge to be completed by December of this year.
“The work on the superstructure for both bridges is in progress, with no shortage of funding. We are committed to completing these bridges on schedule,” he said. However, he did acknowledge that the Trenz Bridge might require more time due to its extensive span, aiming for completion by August 24, 2024.
Local residents in Rohmoo and nearby areas continue to grapple with the absence of these critical connections. “We are currently using a makeshift road that can be swept away by rushing waters at any moment. Authorities should speed up the construction work to ensure better connectivity,” Manzoor Ahmad, a local, said.
The incomplete Rohmoo Bridge plays a pivotal role in connecting Pulwama and Budgam districts through Charar-e-Sharif and Pakherpora. People from both districts continue to endure difficulties due to the absence of this essential link.
For the residents of Shopian, the loss of the 300-metre Trenz Bridge in the floods has forced them to take longer routes to reach neighbouring Pulwama district. They rely on Pulwama for crucial services like healthcare and education, making it an integral part of their daily lives. “The lack of this bridge has created many challenges for the residents. The bridge needs to be completed soon to end the sufferings of people,” Fayaz Ahmad, a local, said.
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