Work on Dogripora Awantipora bridge yet to start despite fresh sanction, allege locals
Demand immediate resumption of long-pending project stalled since 2008
Pulwama: Despite administrative sanction in May this year for an amount of Rs 1529.47 lakh, paving the way for completion of the long-stalled Dogripora bridge in Awantipora, no physical work has been started yet.
The delay has left thousands of residents from Dogripora and adjoining areas frustrated, who say they have been waiting for nearly two decades for this vital connectivity project.
The foundation of the bridge over river Jhelum was first laid in 2006 during the then PDP-Congress regime. Work was formally taken up by the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Limited (JKPCC) in 2008. However, progress soon came to a halt after nearly 70 percent of the work was completed. Since then, the bridge has remained an abandoned structure, standing as a symbol of administrative neglect.
Locals said the incomplete bridge has not only delayed development but has also claimed lives. “Many precious lives have been lost while crossing the river by boat in the absence of a bridge. These tragedies were avoidable and could have been prevented if the authorities had fulfilled their promises on time,” said Shabir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Dogripora.
The bridge, once completed, will link dozens of villages with the National Highway at Pujteng Sethar and provide better access to over 50 villages connected to the Panzgam railway station in Pulwama.
Residents believe it will transform healthcare access, education, and economic opportunities in the area.
Nisar Ahmad, a local Auqaf member, expressed deep resentment over repeated delays. “Every time we raised the issue, the authorities made assurances. But on the ground, authorities would just work for a month or two and then disappear. This cycle has continued for the last 18 years,” he said.
Locals have once again appealed to the administration to ensure the immediate resumption and timely completion of the project. “We don’t want more hollow promises. What we want is action. The government must restart the work without any further delay,” the residents said in a joint appeal.
While the fresh sanction of funds in May this year had generated hope, people on the ground say their optimism is fading with every passing day as work has not yet resumed.
