12 years after devastating 2014 floods, Lelhara bridge reopens, bringing relief to thousands
Pulwama : After a wait of nearly 12 years, residents of Lelhara and adjoining areas in Kakapora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have finally heaved a sigh of relief as the Lelhara bridge, which was completely washed away in the devastating 2014 floods, has been reconstructed and reopened, restoring a crucial road link between Awantipora, Kakapora and Pampore.
The bridge, considered a lifeline for thousands of residents, had remained defunct since the catastrophic floods destroyed it in September 2014.
Its absence forced commuters, students, patients, farmers and traders to take long detours, increasing both travel time and transportation costs.
The reopening of the bridge has significantly eased movement and revived connectivity between several villages on either side of the river, with locals describing it as the end of years of inconvenience and uncertainty.
Residents said the bridge plays a vital role in connecting the Awantipora area with Kakapora and Pampore and is used daily by people travelling for education, healthcare, business and government work.
“We had almost lost hope after waiting for so many years. Every day we had to travel several extra kilometres to reach hospitals, schools and markets. The reconstruction of this bridge has brought immense relief to everyone,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Lelhara.
Another local, Mohammad Yousuf, said the bridge will particularly benefit students and employees who were forced to spend additional time and money due to the lack of direct connectivity.
“Our daily commute has become much easier. This bridge is not just a structure; it is a lifeline that reconnects families, villages and businesses. The government should ensure its proper maintenance so people do not face such hardships again,” he said.
Women residents also welcomed the development, saying emergency access to healthcare facilities had remained a major concern over the past several years.
“Pregnant women, elderly patients and schoolchildren suffered the most after the bridge collapsed. Ambulances also had to take longer routes during emergencies. We are thankful that this long-pending project has finally been completed,” said a local woman.
Shopkeepers and farmers said the restored connectivity is expected to improve trade and transportation of agricultural produce, reducing travel costs and saving valuable time.
Locals, while expressing gratitude over the completion of the bridge, urged the authorities to focus on the development and maintenance of other public infrastructure damaged in the 2014 floods so that similar delays are avoided in the future.
They thanked Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, MLA concerned and R&B officials for the completion of the bridge
