Pulwama, Shopian residents urge timely completion of Trenz Bridge over Ranbiara
90% work completed, project nearing completion, says official
Shopian: The residents of Pulwama and Shopian districts have demanded for the early completion of the vital Trenz bridge being constructed over the Ranbiara stream, a project that has been under construction since 2017.
Locals said that although the project was launched over eight years ago, the work has faced repeated halts for reasons unknown. Despite multiple resumptions over the years, the bridge remains incomplete, causing significant inconvenience to the commuters.
“The pace of work over the past eight years has been extremely sluggish, and the bridge still awaits completion,” said Mir Aasif, a local social activist.
“In the absence of this bridge, residents face daily hardships while commuting to Pulwama for work, education, and business activities,” he said.
He added that once completed, the bridge would serve as the shortest route to the Lassipora Industrial Estate in Pulwama and would greatly benefit fruit growers in transporting their produce to cold storage chains.
Another local, Junaid Ahmad, expressed concern over the slow progress. “Though work is currently underway, the pace is not satisfactory. At this rate, it could take years to complete,” he said.
He said that in the past one year the pace has gone up to some extent but not like it should have been.
Residents said that the bridge holds immense importance for both Shopian and Pulwama districts and would improve road connectivity between them. They also hoped the bridge’s completion would pave the way for a local cab service, enhancing mobility and benefiting daily commuters.
Despite having repeatedly raised the issue with concerned authorities, locals claim that little has been done to expedite the project. They have once again urged the authorities to accelerate the work and ensure the bridge is completed at the earliest.
An official from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department said that the bridge, measuring 600 meters in length, is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 31 crore.
“The R&B department last year took over the project following the merger of JKPCC, and in the past one year significant progress has been made,” the official said. “Ninety percent of the work has been completed, and the bridge will be completed very soon.”
Encounter breaks out in south Kashmir’s Kulgam area
Kulgam, Aug 1: An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Akhal forest area of Devsar in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.
A police official said that a joint team of police, Army, and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists.
He said during the search operation contact was established with the hiding terrorists.
“The exchange of fire is going on and further details will be shared accordingly,” he said. (KNO)
