Srinagar, Oct 23 (KNO): The Noor Jehan Bridge at Qamarwari, Srinagar, spanning 127 metres over the Jhelum River, is set to open within days, offering relief to thousands of commuters who have long been stuck in congestion near the old Cement Bridge.
Sanctioned in 2009 with an estimated budget of Rs 9.5 crore, the bridge was intended to decongest one of the busiest traffic points in downtown Srinagar.
Originally slated for completion in 2014, the project faced repeated delays due to land acquisition disputes, contractor lapses, material shortages and changing government priorities.
Shabir Ahmad Kumar, SE, Srinagar North R&B Division, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the bridge has been completed and will be fully operational within days. “We have resolved all the issues and the load test has been conducted. The bridge is now complete,” he said.
He added that the bridge is ready and it is now up to higher authorities to decide when it will be opened to the public, as the tentative date has not been fixed yet.
Residents also hope that the opening will mark a new chapter in Srinagar’s urban infrastructure development. Riyaz Ahmad, a local resident, recalled, “If this bridge had opened on time, half of this mess wouldn’t have existed. But now, as it is completed, we hope the traffic chaos will be cleared.”
Notably, over the last 15 years, residents endured daily gridlocks, with ambulances, school buses and commuters often stranded.
Once operational, the Noor Jehan Bridge will directly connect Noorbagh and Qamarwari, significantly reducing travel time, easing congestion on the old Cement Bridge and improving intra-city connectivity—(KNO)