MLA Gupta inaugurates blacktopped road, bridge in Udhampur

Udhampur, May 05: In a major infrastructure milestone for rural Udhampur, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Pawan Kumar Gupta on Monday inaugurated the blacktopping of a 1.6-kilometre road stretch and a newly constructed 43-metre span motorable bridge over Birma Nallah.
The nallah will provide critical short-route connectivity between Chakhad and Dabrah villages. The new link will reduce travel distance by approximately 10 kilometres, bringing much-needed relief to local commuters.
The project has been undertaken with a total estimated cost of Rs281.74 lakh for the 1.6-kilometre road construction and Rs172 lakh for the motorable bridge under the Languishing Projects Scheme. Executed under the supervision of the Public Works Department (PWD), the road and bridge now offer seamless access across the previously challenging Birma Nallah terrain.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Lal Chand, who appreciated the MLA’s commitment to rural connectivity and citizen welfare. He emphasised that such projects are vital for bridging developmental gaps and empowering remote communities.
Speaking to a gathering of local residents, Gupta said, “The completion of this road and bridge marks a major step forward for the people of Chakhad and Dabrah. It is more than just a road — it is a direct route to opportunity, safety, and progress. Saving 10 kilometres of travel daily will significantly improve the lives of the people here.”
The 43-meter bridge over Birma Nallah now provides uninterrupted access between the two sides of the region throughout the year, replacing the previous dependence on seasonal and often hazardous crossings.
Former panches, sarpanches, PWD officials and villagers were present in large numbers. The MLA instructed the officials to maintain high standards of quality and sustainability in all developmental works while ensuring transparency and timely delivery.
Residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to MLA Pawan Kumar Gupta and DDC Chairman Lal Chand for their initiative, stating that this long-awaited project will improve school transportation, emergency healthcare access, agricultural trade, and daily commutes.