Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Oct 06: Residents of Guzhama Ganderbal and neighbouring areas are expressing their frustration against the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) for the delays in completing the bridge construction that commenced in 2011.
According to residents who spoke to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Guzhama-Ganderbal bridge, whose construction started in 2011 under the supervision of JKPCC, has faced significant setbacks since 2014, with no progress in sight.
Altaf Ahmad Khan, a resident of Guzhama, said that 30% of the construction was completed after an expenditure of nearly Rs 9 crores. However, the work was abruptly halted, leaving the project unfinished, he said.
Zahoor Ahmad, operator of a local boat service, highlighted the hardships faced by the people and the advantages of completing the bridge. “Once finished, the bridge would eliminate the need for residents to take longer routes between Bandipora and Ganderbal, despite close proximity of the areas,” he said.
The bridge, he added, would significantly shorten travel distances between villages, benefiting commuters and enhancing overall connectivity.
Residents expressed their disappointment, saying that despite their persistent pleas to various authorities, the bridge project remained stagnant. Our efforts in regard went in vain, they said.
An official from the JKPCC acknowledged the situation and revealed that a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to nearly Rs 32 crore had been submitted, which is pending administrative approval.
Once approved, the official assured that the tendering process would be expedited, and work on the bridge would resume without any delay—(KNO)
