An area known as Khawajabagh in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district is witness to a bridge which could not be completed in a period of 18 years. As on date , the position continues to be the same. As this can , perhaps, happen only in Jammu and Kashmir,people are subjected to face difficulties as this 262 metres long bridge would have been diverting traffic movement from Kupwara , Handwara and Rafiabad towards Srinagar relieving the markets of Baramulla of overcrowding and avoiding vehicles passing through them . In other words, this bridge would serve as an alternate route between Baramulla and Kupwara and save a lot of time.
In the absence of this vital bridge, people have no alternative but to cover long distance to reach Kupwara as additional 30 Kms are treaded by them which could be saved.Why the work on this bridge is reported to have undergone series of interruptions is attributed to no response to the tendering process which means more than it can be summarily seen at. On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) which is the executing agency is blamed for lack of interest for that issue by the residents. Again, in nut shell, the same paucity of funds has marred and delayed the completion of the project. We hope, under languishing projects scheme, this project would see the light of the day and get completed at an early date.