The restoration of the 4th Tawi Bridge within a record 12 hours by the Army is nothing short of exemplary. When a portion of the approach road collapsed on August 26 due to incessant rains and flash floods, it brought Jammu’s traffic to a grinding halt. For two days, commuters were stuck in endless jams from Jewel to Canal Head, as the entire load of vehicles-ranging from local commuters to Kashmir-bound heavy traffic-was forced onto an already congested route. The importance of the 4th Tawi Bridge cannot be overstated. It is not just another city bridge; it is a critical link connecting Jammu with Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor. With the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) closed and the Mughal Road being used as an alternative route for Kashmir-bound traffic, the pressure on this bridge multiplied. Within 48 hours of its closure, the chaos in the city highlighted a grim reality-Jewel to Canal Head cannot cater to this enormous traffic volume. Fuel wastage, delays, and public inconvenience mounted, turning routine travel into an ordeal.
In such a scenario, the Army again rose to the occasion, showcasing its unmatched efficiency and commitment to public service. The Tiger Division’s engineers swung into action and, in just 12 hours, erected a 110-foot Bailey bridge-a temporary yet robust solution that reopened the vital link for vehicular movement. This remarkable feat has brought immediate relief to thousands of commuters and prevented further economic losses by saving lakhs of rupees worth of fuel otherwise wasted in traffic jams. Of course, challenges remain. The junction where the Bailey bridge merges with the road still poses speed limitations, which could lead to slowdowns during peak hours. However, compared to the chaos of the last two days, this inconvenience is negligible. The Army has done its part; now it is imperative for the Roads & Buildings Department to expedite permanent restoration work on the damaged approach road so that the city does not face a similar crisis again. The people of Jammu owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Army. This timely intervention is yet another reminder of their unmatched readiness and commitment to the nation.
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