Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Paribal-Takanwari Bridge over Nallah Sindh, marking a significant step in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in Ganderbal.
This 50-meter, single-span steel-trussed girder bridge, with a 7.5-meter-wide carriageway, is part of the NABARD RIDF-XXIX initiative and will connect Paribal to Takanwari.
Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel distance between Shallabugh and Batamaloo to 15 kilometers from the current 35-kilometer route through Duderhama-Beebhama-Ganderbal.
The bridge project, with a budget of Rs 1509.95 lakh, includes a 1.7-kilometer approach road and is expected to be completed within three years. This new route will not only improve mobility but is expected to boost economic growth and open development opportunities in the region.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony saw the attendance of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to chief minister Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq, Vice Chairperson Bilal Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Shyambir, Chief Engineer of R&B, and other district officials, underscoring the project’s significance for Ganderbal.
Addressing a large gathering at Paribal Sherpathri, CM Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Ganderbal Constituency, reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting Ganderbal’s infrastructure.
“I have come here not with empty hands, but with a commitment to uplift Ganderbal,” he said, expressing gratitude for the community’s trust and pledging responsive, community-centered governance.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the bridge aligns with the promises outlined in the party’s manifesto, fulfilling a long-standing demand of Ganderbal’s residents.
He also assured constituents that public meetings would be held regularly in Ganderbal, so local issues could be addressed without the need to visit the Secretariat in Srinagar. Instead, he committed to meeting residents weekly at Dak Bungalow Fatehpora.
“The Paribal-Takanwari Bridge is more than just a structure; it represents the start of a new development phase for Ganderbal,” CM said highlighting the government’s dedication to advancing infrastructure projects that directly benefit the people of Ganderbal and improve their quality of life.
Local leaders and dignitaries, including the DDC Chairperson and district representatives, expressed their gratitude for the Chief Minister’s commitment at the ceremony.
The district president of the National Conference highlighted local issues, such as the need for a CT scan facility at the District Hospital, the completion of the Gunzham Bridge, and road-widening projects from Nagbal to Wayil.
The CM’s Advisor congratulated the people of Ganderbal and assured them that the administration would promptly address their grievances and infrastructure needs. He also stressed the government’s dedication to addressing youth employment and other social issues in the district.
The Chief Minister outlined recent reforms, including a new examination schedule for students up to the 9th standard, aimed at enhancing education and supporting the future of young residents.
He also discussed a recent Assembly resolution advocating for self-determination for Jammu & Kashmir and the importance of dialogue with the central government.
In closing, the Chief Minister affirmed his unwavering commitment to Ganderbal, expressing gratitude to the public and pledging to resolve local challenges.
“The people of Kashmir have placed their trust in us, and we are here to honor that trust,” he said.
The Paribal-Takanwari Bridge project, along with other ongoing initiatives, underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, enhanced infrastructure, and sustainable development in Jammu & Kashmir, he added.