Sopore, Oct 27 (KNO): Repair work on the vital Sopore bypass bridge is underway, with the key link expected to reopen by November 1. Its closure, however, continues to strain the town's road network, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters and transporters.
The bridge, which connects Kupwara with Srinagar and serves as an important route to Asia's second-largest fruit mandi, has remained closed since October 22 for repairs.
According to details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the closure has diverted traffic through Sopore town, leading to frequent bottlenecks on major roads.
Authorities have put traffic management measures in place, including barricades, diversions, advisories and the deployment of Traffic Police, civil police and Municipal Council personnel.
Officials are regulating vehicular movement at key junctions to ease congestion.
Meanwhile, the repair work came under scrutiny after a video allegedly showing the use of substandard material on the bridge surfaced on social media. Following the incident, the administration ordered the immediate replacement of the material.
The work is being closely monitored, with Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, the Senior Superintendent of Police and other officials conducting regular inspections to review progress and assess traffic management arrangements.
Commuters have been advised to follow designated diversion routes and cooperate with traffic personnel during the repair period—(KNO)