Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Nov 30: South Kashmir’s longest bridge, located in Kulgam district, has been restricted to single-way traffic after cracks developed on one side, officials said.
Sources informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Chambgund Bridge, spanning 400 metres over the Vaishaw stream—a major tributary of River Jhelum—has shown signs of structural damage. This bridge, funded by the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore, was reopened for public use last year.
The cracks forced Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to restrict vehicular movement to single-way traffic as a precautionary measure. The department’s Design Inspection Quality Control (DIQC) team inspected the site and recommended the immediate suspension of two-way traffic to ensure safety.
Assistant Executive Engineer R&B, Kulgam, Prince Dangroo, said there is no major issue with the bridge’s overall structure. “The bearing on one side of the bridge has been relocated, and that portion has been temporarily closed for traffic. An expert team has inspected the site and will soon submit a comprehensive report recommending necessary remedies,” he said.
Dangroo said 400-metre-long bridge remains intact, except for a minor issue on the portion built in 2012. Repair work will commence soon, and there is no need for panic, the AEE said—(KNO)
