Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: The Minister for Public Works (R&B), Syed Altaf Bukhari today said that the bridge on Nikki Tawi which was washed away in September 2014 flash floods will be completed within 18 months with the cost of Rs 20. 50 crores.
While replying to a question of NC member Ajay Kumar Sadhotra in the Legislative Council today the minister said that the re-construction of Nikki Tawi bridge (300 mtr span) has been approved under Prime Minister’s package for flood affected infrastructure 2014-15 at an estimated cost of Rs 20.50 crore and stands already released.
Mr Bukhari further said that work has been entrusted to JKPCC which has started the Geological investigations and also invited tenders for construction of the bridge. He said expected time of completion of the project is 18 months, after the finalization of contract.
The Minister further informed the House that Chief Engineer, R&B, Jammu has been asked to formulate estimates for construction of the proposed foot bridges for the damaged/washed away portion to restore connectivity.
Mr Sadhotra asked that for the last six months why progress could not be made in floating tenders and conducting geological investigations despite the fact that over 32000 people of 45 villages have been cut off from the rest of the State due to washing away of this vital bridge of Phallain -Mandal. He also asked whether Government will request Army to raise bailey bridge over Nikki Tawi to provide temporary connectivity to the people of this Tawi Island.
Mr Bukhari said that floods damaged this bridge in Septembers when Omar led NC Government was in place. “It should have been done earlier but we have taken over hardly a month back and the process of raising bridge has been expedited. I myself along with PHE Minister and Chief Engineer R&B and JKPCC officials visited the site. The tender would be allotted shortly and the work will be started soon. He agreed to raise foot bridge for ensuring connectivity but remained non-committal on Bailley bridge at the site.
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