Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Oct 11: Following the structural damage to Naninara Sumbal Balley bridge in Bandipora district, residents and commuters on Wednesday demanded construction of a concrete bridge to replace the aging structure.
Local residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the iron Bridge on Bandipora-Srinagar road sustained damage and they raised concerns about its condition several times to no avail.
“The bridge is our lifeline to Srinagar. I appreciate the alternate route through Mansbal, but we need a concrete bridge that can withstand the test of time,” said Hina Farooq of Bandipora.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora issued an order stating that due to the damage occurred to Balley Bridge at Naninara Sumbal and in an effort to prevent any accidents, the bridge is temporarily closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Commuters are advised to utilize alternative routes, including Hajin, Sopore, and Mansbal, until the necessary repairs are completed, it said.
Following it’s damage, an official said that the commuters traveling from Srinagar towards Bandipora will now have to travel through Sumbal Hajin route. “For those traveling from Bandipora to Srinagar, the new route directs vehicles through the Mansbal Baroosa route,” he added—(KNO)
