Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Kathua is set to achieve a unique distinction of getting as many as six new bridges, simultaneously, around the year end or early next year. All of these bridges are nearly complete and ready to become functional in the coming months.
Disclosing this here today, Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Kathua-Udhampur-Doda, Dr Jitendra Singh said that while the landmark Rs.150 crore Keediyan-Gandiyal Bridge is being given final touches, its formal inauguration may get somewhat delayed because of the model code of conduct. The other five bridges, he said, have been constructed by the Border Road Organization (BRO) and a briefing about the current status of these bridges was provided today by Anil Kumar, Chief Engineer In-Charge Bridges & Tunnels at BRO Headquarters.
The Minister was informed by the BRO authorities that the 331 meter “Bein Bridge” on Parole-Korepannu-Rajpura section will be ready to become functional by the end of next month or beginning of December. This will be followed by another important bridge, the 617 meter “Basantar Bridge” on Rajpura-Madwal-Pangduar section constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 38.69 crore, whose nearly 84% construction is complete and will be ready to become functional around the new year eve.
The 300 meter “Tarnah-II Bridge” on Chankatriyan-Kattal-Gujran-Londi-Bobiya section, constructed at a cost of over Rs. 18 crore is expected to be complete by early next year, while the 160 meter Tarnah-I bridge will be completed about two weeks later than this.
The all important 1000 meter Ujh Bridge on Parole-Korepannu-Rajpura section is over 78% complete and may become also functional in early 2019.
Another BRO bridge, namely the Bhini bridge already stands inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh.
Dr Jitendra Singh also received an update about the progress on the historic Chhattergalla tunnel on the new National Highway from Lakhanpur to Basohli-Banni to Doda-Bhaderwah. He was informed that the BEACONS is moving on fast-track with the DPR process. Even though the construction of the tunnel may take a few years to complete, once it becomes functional, it will not only provide an all-weather alternative road-link between Doda and Lakhanpur, but will also reduce the travel time by several hours. The construction of the tunnel will itself generate jobs for several thousands of youth and once it becomes functional, it will further open new avenues of livelihood.
Meanwhile, in district Kishtwar, the double-laning of Kishtwar to Dul road by BRO is expected to be complete by March 2019.
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