Srinagar, Mar 16: More than a decade after construction began, a footbridge in Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district remains incomplete, forcing residents to rely on risky boat rides or take long detours for their daily commute.
The 99-metre-long footbridge across the Jhelum River at Sumbal in Sonawari was initiated over 13 years ago but the project has remained stalled, causing difficulties for students, patients and other commuters who depend on the route.
Residents said the bridge is crucial for connectivity between several areas and would greatly ease travel once completed.
Muhammad Muzaffar Sheikh, a local resident, said the project has remained unfinished for years despite repeated assurances from authorities.
“For more than 13 years the bridge has remained in the same condition. One contractor comes, does some work and then leaves, and another does the same. People are facing serious difficulties,” he said.
Sheikh added that many families are forced to ferry their children across the river by boat to reach schools and other destinations.
“There used to be an old wooden bridge connecting the two sides, but it was dismantled to make way for the new one. We were told the work would begin when the MLA visited, but nothing happened,” he said.
He said the risk increases when the water level in the river rises. “Crossing becomes dangerous during that time. The footbridge is a necessity and the government must complete it,” he added.
Ghulam Nabi, who operates a boat service across the river, said work on the bridge started around 2014 but has seen little progress since then.
“The old bridge was removed for the construction of a new one, but the work stopped midway and nothing has happened since,” he said.
He also alleged that residents feel neglected. “Leaders visit only during elections. After that, they rarely return. The bridge is vital for connectivity and people have been left to manage on their own,” he said.
Locals have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure the project is completed without further delay.
Officials from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division in Sumbal acknowledged the delay and said efforts are being made to revive the project.
Tanveer Ahmad, Executive Engineer of the division, said the project had initially started around 2013 but work was halted after the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods and due to technical issues.
“It is an important bridge and people have been facing hardships due to the delay,” the official said.
He added that a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and submitted to higher authorities for approval. “We are hopeful the DPR will be cleared soon, after which work on the bridge will resume at the earliest,” he said. (Agency)
