Ganderbal, Nov 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today 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 area.
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 projectтАЩs significance for Ganderbal.
Addressing a large gathering at ParibalSherpathri, CM Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Ganderbal Constituency, reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting GanderbalтАЩs infrastructure. тАЬI have come here not with empty hands, but with a commitment to uplift Ganderbal,тАЭ he said, expressing gratitude for the communityтАЩs trust and pledging responsive, community-centered governance.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the bridge aligns with the promises outlined in the partyтАЩs manifesto, fulfilling a long-standing demand of GanderbalтАЩs residents.
He also assured constituents that public meetings would be held regularly in Ganderbal so that local issues could be addressed without the need to visit the Secretariat in Srinagar. Instead, he committed to meeting the residents at Dak Bungalow Fatehpora frequently.
тАЬThe Paribal-Takanwari Bridge is more than just a structure; it represents the start of a new development phase for Ganderbal,тАЭ CM Abdullah added, highlighting the governmentтАЩs 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 MinisterтАЩs 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 CMтАЩs Advisor congratulated the people of Ganderbal and assured them that the administration would promptly address their grievances and infrastructure needs. He also stressed the governmentтАЩs 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 students. He also discussed a recent Assembly resolution advocating┬а restoration of statehood,constitutional guarantees for Jammu & Kashmir and the importance of dialogue with the central government.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister affirmed his unwavering commitment to Ganderbal, expressing gratitude to the public and pledging to resolve local challenges. тАЬThe people of Kashmir have placed their trust in us, and we are here to honor that trust,тАЭ he said.
The Paribal-Takanwari Bridge project, along with other ongoing initiatives, underscores the governmentтАЩs commitment to inclusive growth, enhanced infrastructure, and sustainable development in Jammu & Kashmir.
