Govind Sharma
JAMMU, May 31: Nearly one month after a portion of the bridge at Thathar in the Bantalab area collapsed, no restoration work has started at the site, causing immense hardship to residents of several adjoining villages and daily commuters who depend on the route for connectivity to Jammu city.
The bridge was closed to traffic immediately after a portion of it collapsed earlier this month, following which vehicular movement was completely stopped as a safety measure. Since then, residents of Raipur, Kot Bhalwal, Seri, Gharota, Mathwar and several nearby areas have been facing severe inconvenience due to the disruption of this crucial road link.
Locals alleged that despite the passage of nearly one month, the authorities have failed to initiate any visible restoration work, leaving thousands of people to suffer daily. Students, office-goers, shopkeepers and patients are among the worst affected, as they are being forced to use difficult and unsafe alternate routes to reach their destinations.
The closure of the bridge has particularly affected school and college-going students, who have to travel long distances every day. Employees commuting to Jammu city are also facing delays and additional transportation expenses. Residents said ambulances and emergency vehicles are finding it difficult to pass through the area, raising concerns about public safety.
To maintain connectivity, the administration created an alternate route by filling a portion of the seasonal nallah near the damaged bridge. However, instead of providing relief, the makeshift arrangement has added to the woes of commuters. The route is reportedly full of large stones, uneven patches and loose gravel, making vehicular movement extremely difficult.
Commuters complained that small vehicles frequently get stranded on the temporary passage, especially during peak hours. Several vehicles have reportedly suffered damage due to the rough surface and poor condition of the route. During evenings and rainy weather, the situation becomes even riskier for two-wheelers and pedestrians.
“The authorities claimed that the alternate route would ease public inconvenience, but it has itself become a major problem. Vehicles often get stuck and traffic jams are now a daily affair,” said a resident of Gharota.
People from the affected villages have urged the administration and the Public Works Department (PWD) to immediately begin restoration work and provide a safer temporary arrangement till the new bridge is completed.
When contacted, Executive Engineer (XEn), PWD, Sardar Khan, said the Government has decided to construct a new bridge at the site and the tender for the project has already been allotted. He, however, admitted that the construction process would take time.
“In the meantime, efforts will be made to improve the alternate route by properly filling the passage with concrete material and carrying out blacktopping to ensure smoother movement of vehicles,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, residents have appealed to the administration to expedite the work and provide immediate relief, stating that the prolonged closure of the bridge is badly affecting daily life and economic activity across the entire belt.
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