06 yrs on, Maharajpora-Sopore Bridge awaits completion
Danish Tariq
Six long years have already passed since the construction work on Mahrajpora-Sopore Bridge in north Kashmir’s Sopore Town started but little headway has been made since then towards its completion.
The bridge, 205 meter long and to be built on 4 pillars with 9 piles, is being built at the estimated cost of 13.68 crore. The foundation stone of the project was laid by then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on 02 December, 2013.
According to locals, once the bridge is made functional it will connect many villages including Tarzoo, Panjipora, Hygam and other areas and the people from these areas can travel directly to Bandipora and Kupwara.
“I am carrying people from one side of river Jehlum to other in my Shikara and I charge ten rupees per person for the ride. If Mahrajpora-Sopore Bridge is thrown open for the traffic, it will bring a much-needed respite for the commuters,” Abdul Rashid Dar, a Shikara owner
Mohammad Subhan, local resident said that, when former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, laid the foundation of Mahrajpora-Sopore Bridge he had promised to complete the construction work in least possible time but that did not happen.
A group of people while demanding completion of this Mahrajpora Bridge at earliest said that the people of area facing hardships to travel from one place to another. They also appealed Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to intervene into this issue so that people will not face more inconvenience they added despite repeated public outcry and assurances from the concerned officials of JKPCC the construction on the bridge was not taken up as was expected, authorities have failed to construct the bridge.
Meanwhile, an official from JKPCC who wished not to be named said that, the project was approved under “Languishing Projects” by Jammu and Kashmir government.
“I accept that construction work is going on slowly and the same is because previous funds were released in the tone of lacs which halted its construction. Now, we have requested sanctioning of funds in advance so that the project is completed without further delay,” we hope that in next 2 years the bridge would be made functional for people.
