Anantnag residents urge timely completion of Sakhras Bridge
This bridge connecting Dachnipora and Khoveripora hamlets
Anantnag: Residents from Dachinipora, Khoveripora and several adjoining villages have appealed to the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department for the swift completion of the Sakhras Bridge, a vital under-construction project that serves as the only lifeline between the two major belts of the area.
The bridge, being executed through the R&B Department’s Saller Sub-Division, has reached nearly 70% completion. According to officials, the project is progressing steadily, and its official deadline is March 2027. However, locals say the bridge is too important to be delayed any further.
Residents say the incomplete bridge has caused hardship for years, forcing commuters, students, patients, and traders to take long detours.
“This bridge is not just a structure; it is our everyday need,” said Abdul Rashid, a local resident of Dachinipora. “More than 100,000 people depend on this route. We request the authorities to speed up the process so that our sufferings come to an end.”
Another local, Tariq Ahmad from Khoveripora, said, “During emergencies, especially medical ones, we lose precious time because the alternative routes are far and in bad condition. Completing this bridge will literally save lives.”
Locals also believe that the completion of the bridge will give a major boost to the region’s tourism and apple industry, allowing smoother transportation and better connectivity.
Assistant Executive Engineer Fayaz Ahmed from the R&B Saller Sub-Division said the department is fully committed to finishing the bridge well before the scheduled deadline.
“Work on this mega project is in full swing. With the onset of winter, we have accelerated the pace of developmental activities,” he said. “We are confident that this project will be completed well before March 2027.”
He added that Rs 3.50 crore has already been spent, covering nearly 70% of the project work. “The remaining 30% will be completed in the next few months. Once dedicated to the people, this bridge will significantly boost tourism and the apple industry of South Kashmir,” he said.
