Srinagar, Sep 17 (KNO): Lauding Army for building a bailey bridge on the Ramban-Gool road in a short span of time, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that it (bridge) is a symbol of hope and a lifeline for nearly 1.5 lakh people living in Ramban, Sangaldan, and Gool areas.
Addressing a function after ingurating the bailey bridge virtually, LG Sinha, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the bridge will significantly boost connectivity and improve the ease of living for local residents.
He added that recent natural calamities had severely impacted lives, causing infrastructure damage, economic hardships, and disruption along this crucial route connecting Gool, Sangaldan, and surrounding areas.
"Despite these challenges, the brave engineers of the Indian Army worked tirelessly under difficult conditions to complete the bridge. This bridge stands as a testament to the dedication, expertise, and unwavering service of the Indian Army," he said.
The LG said the restoration of this vital connectivity has not only provided relief and assistance to the affected communities but has also renewed hope for the entire region.
DISTRICT ADMIN SOUGHT HELP, PROVIDED RELIEF TO 5000 PEOPLE, SAYS ARMY
Meanwhile, an Army spokesman in a statement issued to KNO said, “Due to recent incessant rainfall in Ramban district, a vital stretch of the Karol–Maitra Road, an important artery connecting Ramban district with mainland was washed away. This road is critical for linking government establishments and villages and its loss disrupted daily life, stranding locals and vehicles.”
“The District Administration requested assistance from the Indian Army for urgent restoration of connectivity. The washed-away site was located nearly 20 metres above the Chenab River under unstable cliffs. Accordingly, a team from the White Knight Engineers was deployed and they executed the launch of a 150-Foot Triple Panel Double Storey Extra Wide Reinforced Bailey Bridge, designed to ensure heavy traffic bearing capacity,” he added.
The spokesman said that the BRO, NHAI, District Administration & Police Department Ramban and other civilian agencies assisted in early execution of task. “In addition to it, the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations under the project #HumAapkeSaathHain continued in Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, Reasi, Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch districts, providing timely relief to people affected by torrid rains, landslides and flash floods. “More than 5000 people were provided relief and number of Medical Camps were organised at remote villages to provide necessary medical aid,” he said, “These sustained efforts including construction of the bridge provided timely medical, veterinary and food supply across remote locations, which showcased that Indian Army stands shoulder to shoulder with the people it serves. Each bridge rebuilt, each camp conducted, each family helped, strengthened the bond of faith and confidence between the Armed Forces and local communities,” he added—(KNO)