Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu: In a major boost to infrastructure in the remote Warwan Valley, two important motorable bridges—a 45-meter span at Margi and a 30-meter span at Basmeena—are nearing completion. Constructed by the PWD (R&B) Division Marwah, these bridges will connect previously isolated villages and substantially reduce travel distances for local residents.
Allotted in 2024, construction began in August of the same year. Despite the region’s short six-month working season and challenging terrain, the projects have progressed steadily under the supervision of Junior Engineer Aarish Ibad Lone and AEE Asif Amin. Both bridges’ abutments were completed before the winter shutdown of 2024.
Local residents have praised JE Aarish Ibad Lone for his dedication, highlighting his regular 2–3 kilometer treks on foot to inspect the sites and his continuous presence throughout the working season.
The Warwan Valley, home to around 18,000 people in J&K’s Kishtwar District, remains cut off from the rest of the country during winter due to the closure of Sinthan Top, situated at 12,500 feet above sea level on the Kishtwar-Anantnag stretch of National Highway 244, and Margan Top in Anantnag at around 10,500 feet, which provides connectivity from Matigowran to Inshan Warwan. Both passes are blocked by heavy snowfall for nearly six months, leaving the valley isolated. The region also lacks proper communication and electricity, with its 13 villages largely dependent on solar power throughout the year.
Local residents have long demanded the construction of the Matigowran-Inshan and Chanjer-Bonda tunnels to ensure round-the-clock connectivity with Marwah and the district headquarters at Kishtwar. The Chanjer-Bonda tunnel, once completed, is expected to reduce the road distance between these areas—home to around 35,000 people—by approximately 150 km. Meanwhile, the Marwah road, which offers the shortest possible connectivity in the region, has been under construction for the past 45 years.
Although heavy rainfall and road blockages delayed the arrival of key materials, officials now expect both bridges to be completed before this winter. Once operational, they will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve the overall quality of life for residents of the Warwan Valley.
