Srinagar, Jan 14 (JKNS): The prolonged closure of the Chadoora bridge in central Kashmir’s Budgam district has compelled residents to take dangerous daily routes through a river channel, as authorities fail to restore the vital link even two months after its shutdown.
The bridge, a key connector between Chadoora, Charar-i-Sharif, Yousmarg and Pulwama, was closed in late November after it suffered structural damage during floods and was declared unsafe for traffic. Officials had initially assured that repair work would be completed within a week.
However, the delay has left thousands of commuters with no option but to cross the shallow yet risky riverbed on foot and on two-wheelers, exposing them to potential accidents amid freezing temperatures and unstable terrain.
Visuals accessed by news agency JKNS show people navigating muddy and rocky patches of the river channel, using it as an alternative passage in the absence of any temporary arrangement.
“We have no choice but to cross through the river every day,” said a local resident. “Taking another route means walking several extra kilometres. Despite repeated pleas, no official has visited the area to assess our situation.”
Residents said the prolonged closure has severely affected patients, students and traders, for whom the bridge is an essential lifeline.
“The administration had promised reopening within days. Two months have passed, but there is no visible repair work. After fencing off the bridge, they seem to have forgotten us,” another commuter said.
Officials had earlier stated that the bridge would be reopened only after technical clearance from competent authorities. However, locals allege that repair activity has remained stalled since the closure.
Notably, the bridge was shut down after an inspection by experts from the DIQC, Srinagar, who found that floodwaters had displaced the base of one of the bridge pillars, rendering the structure unsafe for vehicular movement and necessitating urgent repairs. (JKNS)
