Zero Bridge at Rajbagh falls into disrepair

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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30 Jan 2026

Srinagar, Jan 29 : Zero Bridge at Rajbagh, once promoted as a heritage and tourism destination, has fallen into a dilapidated condition, with damaged wooden planks and poor upkeep giving the structure an unsightly look and raising concerns over safety.

Locals and tourists visiting the bridge said the government appears to have abandoned the heritage structure, which has in recent years emerged as a popular spot for walkers, photographers and picnickers.

“The bridge looks neglected and unsafe in many portions. Broken wooden planks not only spoil its beauty but also pose a risk to pedestrians,” said Waseem Ahmad, a local resident of Rajbagh.

Tourists echoed similar concerns, saying the bridge, despite its historical value and scenic location, lacks basic maintenance. “It is promoted as a heritage attraction, but the condition tells a different story,” said a visitor from outside Kashmir.

According to locals, the six-decades-old Zero Bridge was originally dismantled in 2012 and later reconstructed by the government to revive its heritage character and attract tourists. The bridge was rebuilt at a cost of Rs 11 crore as a pedestrian-only walk-through connecting Rajbagh with Sonwar.

Historically, Zero Bridge had served as a vital link for vehicular movement. However, in 1980, the bridge was closed for traffic after its wooden planks and piers were found incapable of supporting the load.

The original Zero Bridge was constructed in the 1950s during the tenure of Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad, the then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and has since remained an important landmark in Srinagar’s urban and cultural history.

Chief Engineer Roads and Buildings (R&B) Central Kashmir, Narinder Kumar told Rising Kashmir that he would look into the issue.

Residents have urged the authorities to carry out immediate repairs and regular maintenance to preserve the bridge’s heritage value and ensure the safety of visitors.