Despite years of waiting, the Gandabal-Batwara bridge in the central Kashmir’s Srinagar continues to remain incomplete for several years now, causing huge inconvenience for the local residents.
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The bridge connecting Gandabal and Batwara was undertaken for construction some five years before but is yet to be completed.
Talking to GNS, the residents of the area said that the construction of the bridge began nearly 4 to 5 years back but it has been repeatedly delayed due to various factors such as lack of funds, political instability, and adverse weather conditions. “The incomplete bridge has become a symbol of the region’s neglect and underdevelopment, causing significant difficulties for the local residents.”
“We have to travel long distances to access basic amenities and the incomplete bridge has hindered the transportation of goods and services, affecting the local economy. The bridge was meant to ease our traveling but the delay has hampered us badly”, said a local shopkeeper whose shop is situated near the bridge.
“Despite the numerous assurances given by the government, the construction of the bridge has been stalled for several years. Despite repeated appeals to the authorities to complete the project, the pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” said another shopkeeper.
“The delay in the construction of the Gandabal-Batwara bridge has led to serious frustration and disappointment for us,” said Faizan Amin, a local resident, adding that we feel neglected and abandoned by the government.”
The local residents are demanding intervention from the higher-ups to complete the project to alleviate the sufferings of people.
