Tral residents seek early completion of Nowdal Bridge
Rs 8.5 crore new bridge expected to be complete by May, opening likely in June: Official
Pulwama: The residents of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have voiced serious concern over the condition of the decades-old Nowdal bridge, urging authorities to expedite the completion of the new bridge being constructed alongside it.
Locals say the existing structure has become weak and could lead to a major mishap if not replaced at the earliest.
The Nowdal bridge serves as a crucial link connecting Tral with Awantipora and further to other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, making it a lifeline for daily commuters, students, traders, and emergency services.
According to officials, the new bridge—being constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 8.5 crore—is in its final phase and is expected to be completed by May this year. Authorities have indicated that the bridge will likely be thrown open for public use in June.
However, residents say the pace of work needs to be accelerated given the fragile condition of the existing bridge.
“This bridge is not just a road—it is our only connection to hospitals, schools, and markets. The old structure has developed cracks and shakes even under light traffic. We are living under constant fear,” said a local resident, Abdul Rashid.
Another resident, Shabir Ahmad said: “Every day hundreds of vehicles cross this bridge, including school buses and ambulances. If something unfortunate happens, who will take responsibility? The government must ensure the new bridge is completed without any further delay.”
Locals also said that during peak hours, traffic congestion worsens the situation, putting additional pressure on the already weakened structure.
“We have been hearing deadlines for months now. While we appreciate that work is ongoing, the condition of the old bridge does not allow for any more waiting. Authorities must prioritize safety over formal timelines,” said a shopkeeper from the area.
Officials associated with the project maintained that construction is progressing steadily and assured that all necessary efforts are being made to meet the deadline. “The bridge is nearing completion, and we are working to ensure it is ready by May. If all goes as planned, it will be opened to the public in June,” an official said.
The new bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and ensure safer passage for commuters once operational.
