Budgam, Sep 17 (KNO): Work on the main bridge and the newly taken-up footbridge in Chadoora over Nallah Doodganga is progressing simultaneously, with Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chadoora directing the concerned Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and executing agency to expedite the pace of work and ensure minimum inconvenience to the general public.
The SDM, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), conducted an on-site inspection of both projects. He was accompanied by the Executive Engineer (ExEn), R&B Department, and the concerned Junior Engineer (JE).
The inspection comes after the main bridge was completely closed for public movement to facilitate its dismantling and reconstruction. The bridge had remained closed to vehicular traffic for nearly 10 months following the development of cracks, while pedestrian movement continued until the dismantling process began.
With the main bridge now inaccessible and construction work also underway on the footbridge, residents are facing difficulties in crossing the river and moving between the two sides of the area.
Taking note of the situation, the SDM directed the R&B Department to put in place an interim ramp/temporary diversion to facilitate pedestrian movement until the footbridge is completed.
Speaking to the media during the inspection, the SDM said the works had been taken up on the directions of the administration and that the footbridge was an immediate requirement considering the difficulties being faced by the public.
"The temporary ramp is being constructed to provide relief to people during the intervening period," he said, directing the concerned department to ensure that the arrangement is completed at the earliest.
The temporary arrangement is being taken up on priority, with the SDM stating that the ramp is expected to be completed by Friday and provide immediate relief to the people.
The SDM further directed the concerned agency to expedite the construction of the footbridge and set mid-November as the target for its completion. The footbridge is being treated as an immediate requirement to restore dedicated pedestrian connectivity between the two sides.
"The footbridge is an immediate requirement considering the difficulties being faced by the public. We have set mid-November as the target for its completion," the SDM said.
Meanwhile, work on the main bridge is also underway following the commencement of the dismantling process. The SDM directed the executing agency to maintain the pace of work and adhere to the stipulated timeline for its reconstruction.
The ongoing works are particularly significant for pedestrians, including school-going children, elderly persons, women and other residents who need to cross the river for their daily activities—(KNO)