Pulwama, Mar 17 (KNO): Nineteen years after their foundation stones were laid, two bridges over the Jhelum river at Dogripora and Reshipora in Pulwama district remain unfinished, forcing hundreds of residents, school children, elderly citizens and patients to cross the river daily in wooden boats, at constant risk to their lives.
The Dogripora bridge was sanctioned in 2006, with construction beginning in 2008, while work on the Reshipora bridge started shortly after. Despite nearly two decades of assurances from successive governments, both projects remain stalled, largely due to funding constraints and prolonged administrative delays.
Residents fear a tragedy on the lines of the Gandbal boat capsize could occur if the projects are not completed urgently.
Yasir Ahmad, a resident of Dogripora, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the delay had made life extremely difficult. "Several people have suffered injuries while crossing the river. These bridges are lifelines that would connect our villages to the national highway and the Panzgam Railway Station. Their completion would significantly cut travel time between Tral and Shahoora and boost local economic activity," he said.
In Reshipora, residents said they were forced to travel nearly 10 kilometres to reach the highway, a journey that would take minutes if the bridge were functional. "It is not just an inconvenience but a daily suffering. During emergencies or harsh weather, we feel completely cut off," said Tariq Ahmad, a local resident, adding that the absence of public transport compounded the hardship for children and the elderly.
Basit, another Dogripora resident, said nearly 70 per cent of the bridge structure had already been completed before work abruptly stopped. "The foundation was laid during the PDP-Congress regime, and work was initiated by JKPCC in 2007-08. Since then, the incomplete structure stands as a reminder of unfulfilled promises," he said.
Last year, the government sanctioned Rs 1,529.47 lakh for the completion of the Dogripora bridge, raising hopes among residents. However, no visible progress has been made on the ground.
For the Reshipora bridge, a revised Detailed Project Report estimating the remaining work at Rs 1,383.01 lakh has been prepared and is awaiting administrative approval.
A senior official said both bridges were partially complete and work had been halted due to financial constraints.
"The tendering process will begin once approvals are in place. We are aware of the public concerns, and efforts are underway to resume work at the earliest," the official said—(KNO)