Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 16: The 4th bridge on river Tawi, about 800 meters down steam the existing first main bridge, is expected to be completed 2 months ahead of its scheduled target of May, 2013.
Being constructed with the cost of Rs 147 crore, in two separate sections on Nikki and Baddi Tawi near Tawi island, this bridge would have total length of 750 meters. The commissioning of this vital bridge over Tawi would provide major relief to the people to the existing traffic congestion problem at Jewel Chowk, Bikram Chowk and Dogra Crossing besides the ever busy Canal Road.
The vehicular traffic coming from Pathankote, Kathua and Samba side towards Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch, would take this route via old Ware House and Bhagwati Nagar, thus minimizing traffic load at Jewel crossing and Canal Road where vehicles are always seen moving at snails pace. The delay being caused in commencing work on the proposed flyovers in Jammu city has also contributed to the traffic congestion in the winter capital city.
Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu Tahseen Mustafa said that work on this vital bridge commenced in May 2010 and 3 years was the completion target. “Over 95% work has been completed and we are hopeful to accomplish the task about two months ahead of its fresh schedule”, he maintained.
Replying to a question, the Chief Engineer said the estimated cost of the project was Rs 147 crores. “There is no cost escalation on the project. Out of the total project cost, Rs 93 crore pertains to bridge component while rest of the funds are earmarked for approach roads on both sides including two minor bridges. Progress on the project is impressive and the Chief Minister himself was monitoring execution of work on this project”, Mr Mustafa maintained.
Managing Director of JKPCC, M M Gupta said that construction work on this bridge is being executed by JKPCC while R&B is monitoring the over all work. The work on approach roads was purely with the R&B authorities. He disclosed that it will be four lane bridge and out of the total 750 mt length, a nearly 300 mt span portion lies on `Baddi’ Tawi whereas, 250 mt on ‘Nikki Tawi’. The central portion falls on the island, heavily protected against the flood waters of the river.
Mr Gupta claimed that this bridge has 10 spans and nine spans stood completed. The work on last and tenth span was in progress and it is likely to be completed by January ending. M/s S P Singla Construction Company has been given the contract and over 95% work has been completed.
The MD further said that JKPCC will complete its work before its schedule and this bridge would reduce traffic load on existing first and second bridges and also at Jewel Chowk, Bikram Chowk and Canal Road. There is lot of pressure to complete this bridge as early as possible to ease city traffic congestion. Due to work on artificial lake over Tawi and two rainy seasons, the work for some time was disrupted and delayed on the bridge project, however, it was expedited later, Mr Gupta added.
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