Sopore, May 16: Authorities in North Kashmir’s Sopore town have initiated repair work on the vital Sopore bypass bridge after growing concerns over its deteriorating condition.
The bypass bridge, considered a crucial connectivity link between Sopore, Kupwara and other parts has for months been giving a difficult experience to commuters due to visible damage at several spots despite repeated patchwork repairs in the past.
The bridge also serves as an important route for transport movement towards Asia’s second largest fruit mandi in Sopore, making its condition a matter of concern for traders, transporters and daily commuters.
An official notice issued by the Additional District Magistrate Sopore said the traffic diversion has been ordered following a request made by OC 56 RCC Beacon for smooth execution of repair work and after discussions with the Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore.
According to the order, vehicular movement on the Sopore bypass road will remain diverted from Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 7:00 PM till Monday 7:00 AM.
During the repair period, traffic moving from Sangrama towards Sopore will be diverted via Degree College route to Badam Bagh Sopore, while vehicles travelling from Badam Bagh towards Sangrama will follow the route through Degree College.
Authorities have also directed magistrates already deployed on duty to remain present on the spot to ensure proper traffic regulation and minimize inconvenience to the public.
Earlier, MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar publicly raised concern over the safety of the bridge and revealed that he had already sought a safety audit of the structure in the Legislative Assembly—(KNO)
