Lack of funds delays construction of vital Pulwama bridges: Minister

Jammu, March 05: The Minister for Public Works (R&B) Department informed the House on Tuesday that the construction of two vital bridges at Reshipora and Dogripora over the Jhelum River has been delayed due to a lack of funds.

Responding to a question from People's Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, the Minister provided a detailed status update on both projects.

“The construction of a 129-meter span bridge at Dogripora and a 109-meter span bridge at Reshipora, both in Pulwama district, was initiated by JKPCC in March 2008. The projects were expected to be completed within three working seasons, subject to the availability of funds,” the Minister stated in a written reply.

He further informed the House that due to financial constraints, both projects remain incomplete. "For the Dogripora bridge, only the substructure has been completed by JKPCC, while for the Reshipora bridge, the substructure is partially completed," he said.

However, the Minister clarified that construction on both bridges has not been abandoned but only temporarily halted since 2023.

He added that revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the remaining work on the Dogripora and Reshipora bridges have been prepared, with estimated costs of Rs 1,529.47 lakh and Rs 1,383.01 lakh, respectively. The DPRs are currently in the process of obtaining revised administrative approval.

“Once the revised administrative approval is granted, work on both bridges will be tendered,” the Minister assured.