Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Oct 07: Eighteen years after their foundation stones were laid, two vital bridges over the Jhelum River—Dogripora and Reshipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district remain incomplete, leaving residents of over a dozen villages cut off and frustrated.
The Dogripora Bridge was sanctioned in 2006 and work began in 2008, while the Reshipora Bridge was taken up soon after.
However, despite the passage of nearly two decades and multiple assurances from successive governments, both projects remain stuck midway, primarily due to lack of funds and delayed administrative approvals.
Every day, hundreds of locals including schoolchildren are forced to cross the river on risky wooden boats, a daily ordeal that becomes especially dangerous during rains or snow.
Locals fear that a tragedy similar to the Gandbal boat capsize incident could unfold anytime if immediate action is not taken.
Shahid Ahmad, a resident of Dogripora, said that the incomplete bridge has made life miserable for residents of several adjoining villages.
“Many people have been injured while crossing the river. These bridges are lifelines that connect our villages to the national highway and the Panzgam Railway Station,” he said. “Once completed, the Dogripora Bridge would drastically reduce travel time between Tral and Shahoora and bring economic activity to the area.”
In Reshipora, villagers said they are compelled to take long detours of nearly 10 kilometres to reach the highway — a distance that would be just 500 metres if the bridge were operational. “It’s not just inconvenience but daily suffering. During medical emergencies or bad weather, we feel completely cut off from the world,” said Zameer Ahmad, a local from Reshipora.
He added that the absence of public transport in the area worsens the situation. “Children and elderly people take huge risks while crossing the river. We have been pleading for years, but nobody seems to care.”
In May this year, the government sanctioned Rs 1529.47 lakh for the completion of the Dogripora bridge, raising hopes among residents. However, despite the fresh approval, no physical work has resumed so far, leading to growing resentment among locals.
“The bridge’s foundation was laid during the PDP-Congress regime, and JKPCC started work in 2008. About 70 percent of the structure was completed before work stopped abruptly. Since then, it stands like a monument of broken promises,” said Shabir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Dogripora.
A senior official told KNO that both bridges are partially completed and work has been temporarily halted due to lack of funds.
“The projects have not been abandoned. Revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the remaining work for Rs 1383.01 lakh for Reshipora has been prepared and are under process for revised administrative approval,” the official said.
He added that the tendering process will begin once the approval is granted. “We understand the public concern, and efforts are on to restart the work as soon as possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, the residents have renewed their appeal to the administration to prioritize completion of these long-pending bridges, which they say will transform healthcare access, education, and economic activity in the region.
“We have waited for 18 years. Our patience is wearing thin. The government must treat these bridges as essential projects, not forgotten files,” they said—(KNO)
