New bridge ready, traffic jams in Mandi to ease

Dipender Manta

The newly constructed bridge near the historical Victoria Bridge over the Beas will play a crucial role in easing traffic chaos in Mandi town. This 156.40-metre-long bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 25.49 crore. It is complete and the people of Mandi town are awaiting its inauguration for traffic movement. It will connect Mandi town with adjoining old Mandi town and the Manali-Pathankot highway.

Once functional, the new bridge will reduce traffic pressure on the Victoria Bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition. However, the Victoria Bridge is a heritage property and is also a major attraction for tourists here. 

It is stated that the Victoria Bridge was constructed in 1877 during the British rule when King Vijay Sen was the ruler of Mandi state. The engineers, who had constructed the bridge, had termed its maximum life to be 100 years but it is still being used. However, in the past few years only light vehicles have been allowed on it.

Suresh Kumar, a resident of Mandi town, says that the new bridge was the need of the hour because the condition of the more than century-old Victoria Bridge is not good. With the construction of the new bridge, vehicular movement on the Victoria Bridge can now be stopped completely and only pedestrians may be allowed to use it. 

KK Sharma, Executive Engineer (PWD), Mandi division-2, says that this modern bridge will ease traffic jams being experienced regularly. 

Sharma says that the Public Works Department is mulling to stop traffic movement on the Victoria Bridge completely to conserve it once the new bridge becomes operational. Then only pedestrians will be allowed to use it. The people of Mandi town want the Victoria Bridge to be conserved and maintained as a heritage property. 

Built on King’s request 

KK Nutan, a historian in Mandi town, says that during the British rule a car and horse race was organised in Delhi, in which the rulers of different states took part. The event was organised by British ruler Gorge Pancham. 

The ruler of Mandi state, King Vijay Sen, along with his horse, also took part in the event and won it. Gorge Pancham awarded the car to King Vijay Sen. Due to a lack of road connectivity, the King requested the British to construct the Victoria Bridge over the Beas to connect Mandi town with the other side leading to Kullu and Kangra. On his request the British constructed the bridge. 

CM likely to inaugurate it on Dec 8

The construction of the new bridge was completed a few days ago and it would be inaugurated soon. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur is expected to visit Mandi town on December 8 to inaugurate it. However, the final confirmation of the Chief Minister’s visit is still awaited. — KK Sharma, Executive Engineer (PWD), Mandi division-2