Bridge repair delay puts Bandipora commuters in daily danger

Bandipora, Nov 10: Commuters and pedestrians are risking their lives daily as the Naninara Bailey bridge in Sumbal division of north Kashmir's Bandipora continues to deteriorate.

Locals had complained to Greater Kashmir months ago about the unsafe bridge, but despite assurances, no concrete action has been taken.

On Monday, residents and commuters again appealed to the government for urgent intervention.

The bridge, which spans a Jhelum tributary, has become a major safety hazard. Iron plates on its surface are falling apart, creating loud crashing noises and posing serious risks to pedestrians as vehicles pass over.

"The sound is so strong it keeps us awake and creates anxiety," said Shafeeq Ahmad, a resident.

The bridge was slated for reconstruction in 2018 as part of the Sumbal-Bandipora road-widening project under the Central Road Fund (CRF).

Locals say they have staged numerous protests demanding a new bridge, but to no avail.

The bridge connecting the vital Sumbal-Bandipora road developed similar problems earlier this year. After protests, the administration carried out minor repairs. More patch-up work followed in August.

In late summer, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Chib urged commuters to avoid using the bridge for heavy vehicles, posting on X: "Bridge is not meant for heavy traffic so the public is requested to avoid using this bridge with heavy vehicles."

Two weeks ago in October, the bridge was declared "unsafe" for vehicular movement.

"Bridge has now been declared unsafe by government order," Chib told media persons at the time, citing the risk of accidents due to falling iron pieces. Traffic was briefly halted.

She added that the PWD had completed cost estimates and remaining paperwork for the project.

However, residents say the problem has persisted for years and demand immediate construction of a new bridge to prevent a tragedy.

No Funds, No Timeline

Executive Engineer R&B Division Sumbal, Tanveer Ahmad, who recently assumed charge, told Greater Kashmir they are "looking for an alternative route to divert traffic."

He said no funds are currently available to construct a new bridge, but that the matter has been communicated to the government and senior officials.

While acknowledging the bridge is "unsafe," Ahmad clarified this was a verbal assessment. "Officially, it has not been declared unsafe," he said.

The officer said an alternative route would be identified "within a week, following which repair works will be initiated."

He acknowledged that bridge construction has faced hurdles, and the issue has been escalated to higher authorities.