Akhal bridge, connecting dozens of Gbl villages, incomplete for 13 years

Ganderbal, Nov 07: A vital bridge at Akhal, which connects dozens of villages in Ganderbal district with Kangan Sub-Division, has remained incomplete for the past 13 years, causing immense frustration among the local population here.
The 84-metre-long bridge, sanctioned in 2008 with an estimated cost of Rs 8.96 crore, was supposed to be completed by September 2014. However, inadequate funding delayed its construction, causing immense problems among the villagers.
According to locals, the bridge project was taken up by the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC). Numerous representations have been made to various government offices over the years, but the completion of the bridge remains elusive, they said.
The situation worsened when the old bridge, which was declared unsafe multiple times by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, was temporarily reopened for light motor vehicles following protests by local residents. However, it still poses significant risks.
Three years ago, the Akhal bridge was included in the languishing projects, and the Ganderbal administration set a deadline for completion by December 2020. Unfortunately, this deadline, like several before it, has also been missed.
Locals highlighted the implications of this delay saying dozens of villages including Akhal, Kunmullah, Najwan, Check Akhal, Nillah Najwan, Tangchatter, Hayan, Palpora, and others lack essential services such as healthcare centres and fire and emergency services.
“The bridge has remained a political vote bank for various parties over the years,” they said.
The residents have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and resolve the long-standing issue, which is vital for the connectivity of the district.