Srinagar- After missing several deadlines in the past nearly one decade, the work on the much-awaited Noorbagh-Qamarwari Bridge is going at snail’s pace.
The “New Noor Jahan Bridge” is being constructed at a cost of Rs 957 lakhs and the allotment cost of the approach roads is Rs 398 lakhs.
Although the work on approach road from Noorbagh side of the Bridge has begun, work on approach road from Qamarwari side is yet to kick off.
Officials say the Qamarwari side of the bridge hosts some concrete structures including the Fire Service Station which have to be raised to the ground to pave way for a smooth landing from the bridge.
For city dwellers and people from other towns thronging the city, the ride on the “cement bride” is bumpy as it is full of potholes.
Commuters say the pivotal bridge has developed huge potholes which not only affect the passage of the vehicular movement but also damage the vehicles as well.
Once completed, the bridge will lessen traffic on the already existing “Cement Bridge” which over the period of time has served as an important link between Shahr-e- Khaas and other areas of North Kashmir.
It is pertinent to mention, the construction of the Noor Jahan Bridge started in 2011. Initially, the bridge was scheduled to be completed in the year 2014. Later, the deadline was extended upto March 2017 and then upto December 2018.
Speaking on anonymity, an R&B official said the contractor who was alloted the Bridge construction delayed the work many times.
“The contract for approach roads has been allotted to another contractor and work is going on in full swing” he added.
Executive Engineer, Roads and Building Department, Division I Srinagar Mohammad Masood Mir said there were many reasons the construction of the bridge got delayed.
“There were several reasons behind the stoppage of the work and it took a long time to remove the bottlenecks,” Masood said.
“Many structures are to be removed and we are already on it,” he said.
He pinned hope the Bridge will be made motorabe by the end of the year 2022.
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