15 years of delay ends in collapse: Footbridge connecting Gbl with Bandipora crumbles before completion

Ganderbal, May 06: After more than a decade of anticipation, residents of Lati Gundroshan in Shadipora were left disheartened as the under-construction footbridge over the river Jhelum collapsed late on Monday evening. The suspension bridge, meant to connect key villages in the Ganderbal and Bandipora districts, had remained incomplete for 15 years and now it lies in ruins before it could serve a single pedestrian.
The incident resulted in minor injuries to two individuals and has reignited anger among locals, who accuse the administration of gross negligence and delay. “We have waited far too long,” said Muhammad Maqbool, a local elder. “The bridge was supposed to ease our lives. Instead, it has become a symbol of delay and disappointment. Even boatmen avoid it — it has brought us nothing but trouble.”
The collapse reportedly occurred when some local boatmen attempted to drag sand-loaded boats across the ropeway portion of the bridge, causing structural imbalance and failure. Officials from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Sumbal Division, were quick to clarify their role, pointing out that the construction had been entrusted to the Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (SICOP). “This is a suspension bridge being executed by SICOP,” an R&B official said. “Plate laying had already begun, with nearly half installed. The contractor claims the collapse was due to unauthorised use of the incomplete ropeway.”
Locals, however, remain unconvinced. With Eid approaching, they are demanding immediate action and completion of the bridge, calling it essential for regional connectivity and daily life. “This was our hope for safer travel and better access,” said Rubeena Begum, a nearby resident. “Now it feels like the bridge was never meant for us.”