Dearth of funds halts construction works of Sempora bridge
Srinagar: The construction of a vital bridge over Jhelum at Sempora in Srinagar outskirts is awaiting completion despite the passage of over five years.
The locals said the bridge was sanctioned for the area some five years ago however, no work has been done on the project in the last several years.
Shakeel Ahmad, a resident of Pampore said the bridge was nowhere near completion.
“If this bridge gets completed, it will give easy access to thousands of residents to reach to national highway and save their time as well,” said Shakeel Ahmad.
He said people of the area have no option than to take long routes in order to reach Srinagar and other parts in absence of the bridge.
“At the time of emergencies, we suffer more as we have take long routes to take our patients to hospital for treatment,” the locals said.
They said the work on the project was started few years ago but the project was later left abandoned for unknown reasons.
“We brought this issue into the notice of higher ups but situation on ground did not change till date,” the locals said.
The residents urged concerned authorities to look into the matter and complete the construction of the bridge in a shortest possible time.
Meanwhile, when contacted an official said that work on the bridge was started in 2017 and the project cost was around Rs 13 crore.
“Earlier it was a foot bridge but locals demanded that it should be made motorable,” the official said, adding that the move resulted in cost escalation of the project.
“A fresh detailed project report was submitted to the government but due to shortage of funds, work has been put on halt,” he added.
The official said that no funds were available as of now with the department to resume the construction work.
“Work will be started only once funds will be made available,” he said.
Jahangeer Ganaie
