Restoration of Chadoora bridge underway: Minister
SRINAGAR, Sept 29: Restoration of the main Chadoora bridge, closed to vehicular traffic for nearly 10 months after being declared unsafe, is underway following the award of a Rs 999.54-lakh project, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday. Deputy Chief...
SRINAGAR, Sept 29: Restoration of the main Chadoora bridge, closed to vehicular traffic for nearly 10 months after being declared unsafe, is underway following the award of a Rs 999.54-lakh project, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, replying to a question by MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, said the bridge was closed on November 28, 2025, after a technical inspection by NIT Srinagar.
The institute's recommendations were received on February 2, 2026, following which a Detailed Project Report was prepared and administrative approval accorded.
The restoration work was awarded on August 3 and is presently in progress, the Government said.
The House was also informed that an alternate bridge near the New Bus Stand at Chadoora has already been constructed but remains uncommissioned as its approach road is incomplete.
The Government has provided Rs 50 lakh under UT Capex 2026-27 for the approach road, while land acquisition and alignment feasibility are currently under process.
The approach road and commissioning of the bridge will be taken up after completion of the requisite formalities.
During the proceedings, the Speaker directed that the remaining land acquisition be taken up on priority, pointing out that only a small portion of land was required for the bypass and its connection with the main road.
On the Hanjigund bridge, Choudhary said it forms part of the Hanjigund-Chadoora road diversion via Dawlatpora, including a 1x35-metre span truss girder bridge, sanctioned under NABARD.
The bridge and around 2.5 km of road have been completed, with the project achieving 76 per cent overall physical progress.
The Government said the remaining work had been affected by land-ownership issues and litigation in WPC(C) No. 54/2024 before the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
Following intervention by the District Development Commissioner, Budgam, the matter has been taken up and the project is now nearing completion, except for a minor portion.
