Sopore, Nov 24 (KNO): After missing multiple deadlines, the work on the pivotal Mazbug Bridge in north Kashmir's Sopore has been back on track yet again with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department fixing a two year completion time to reduce daily gridlock in the area.
Details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) states that the construction on the project, launched in 2023 over Nallah Pohru was stalled for many years due to lack of funds and poor tender response.
The project's progress had left the area with only an old single lane bridge from the 1970s.
An official from R&B told KNO that the department now has funds available for the project. “The new estimate stands at around Rs 3.5 crore, while the bridge will be completed within two years,” an official overseeing the project said.
Earlier as reported by the KNO, the bridge was initially executed by JKPCC, which cited fund shortage and outdated tender rates as key reasons for the standstill.
Residents, who spoke with the KNO Correspondent, said the restart of work has ended years of uncertainty. They said the incomplete structure had caused daily traffic congestion and long delays for commuters, patients, students and fruit traders.
Local fruit growers and transporters said the new bridge will reduce travel time and improve movement between Baramulla, Rafiabad and Sopore. They said the project will also ease the pressure on the existing bridge, which only allows one vehicle at a time.
They urged the department to maintain steady progress and ensure that the project does not face further interruptions.
It is noteworthy that during his Sopore visit on November 15 last year, Minister Javid Dar had acknowledged the delay in the Mazbug bridge project.
He said he was aware of the inconvenience to residents and assured that the bridge would be completed in the coming months, adding that the regular follow ups were needed to keep the work on track—(KNO)