The authorities continue to delay construction of a vital bridge over nallah Sindh here, much to the inconvenience of commuters. Though the World Bank last year sanctioned the bridge at Rs 23 core, under Jammu Tawi Flood Reconstruction Project (JTFRP), at Wayil on Srinagar-Leh national highway, the authorities are yet to start the work. Locals said in November last year the pre construction work including excavation and dismantling of the old abutments of Wayil bridge was started. However the construction work was stooped soon. At present, the single lane Bailey bridge connects Srinagar with Ladakh. It often witnesses frequent traffic jams, causing inconvenience to commuters. This bridge was constructed more than two decades ago by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) after the wooden bridge got damaged in floods in 1992. Tourists use this bridge to visit several famous tourist and pilgrim destinations including Sonamarg, Naranag and Amarnath Shrine situated in different areas of this district. “The Bailey bridge is so narrow that a pedestrian has to return if a heavy vehicle is crossing it,” said a local, Showket Ahmed. The locals appealed the authorities to start construction of the new bridge. An official said Public Works department (R&B) has been tasked to construct two-lane steel truss bridge funded by the World Bank. Executive Engineer R&B division Ganderbal, Syed Sajad Ahmed said they have submitted the designing of the bridge to authorities for approval. “Later the design will be submitted to the World Bank for approval followed by the construction work,” he said.
