Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 16: A vital bridge linking Sopore with Kupwara and Handwara in North Kashmir has fallen into disrepair, triggering safety concerns among residents and disrupting transportation in the area.
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Residents said the bridge, which witnesses heavy movement of passenger vehicles, trucks and fruit-laden trailers every day, has remained damaged for more than a year despite repeated appeals for repairs.
They said the deteriorating condition of the structure poses a serious risk to commuters, particularly during the peak fruit season.
With Sopore housing one of Asia’s largest fruit mandi, the route assumes added importance as hundreds of loaded vehicles pass through the bridge daily during the harvesting season.
Locals said the bridge has developed visible cracks and suffered structural damage, raising fears of a possible mishap if urgent repairs are not undertaken.
One resident, Showkat Ahmad, said the condition of the bridge had worsened over time and accused the authorities of neglecting essential repair work.
“This is creating problems for people. It has been like this for a long time, but repairs are not being carried out. Recently, lights were installed when actual repairs were needed. Just look at the condition of the bridge in the middle,” he said.
He said commuters fear for their safety while crossing the bridge and many have started avoiding it altogether.
“There is huge traffic pressure on this bridge. There is no sense of safety, and people fear it might collapse. Many commuters are now taking alternative routes,” he added.
Residents said the bridge serves as a lifeline for thousands of people and warned that any further delay in repairs could lead to a tragedy.
“Heavy trucks and trailers cross the bridge every day, especially during the fruit season. If the authorities fail to act immediately, a tragedy can happen at any moment,” locals said.
Another resident, Muhammad Arif, criticised the administration and elected representatives for failing to address basic civic issues.
“We were promised a lot and shown manifestos, but people have now forgotten all that. We urge the administration and the MLAs to take note of the poor condition of roads and bridges,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, said the issue had already been taken up with the Border Roads Organisation’s BEACON wing and that a team had recently inspected the site.
“The Deputy Commissioner has already taken up the matter with BEACON, and their concerned team visited the spot last Saturday. They have informed us that repair work will begin in the coming days,” the official said.
The ADC said the extent of the damage and heavy traffic movement were posing challenges for immediate restoration work.
“The damage is extensive. They either have to work during the night or create a diversion during the day, but a diversion is not possible keeping in view the traffic flow,” he said, adding that repair work was likely to begin in phases from Sunday.
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