Construction of Rs 86.43 crore Gajj Khud bridge commences in Nagrota Surian

The much-awaited construction of the Gajj Khud bridge near Nagrota Surian connecting with Jarot village across the khud on the banks of Pong wetland in lower Kangra region has commenced. The excavation for the foundation of Rs 86.43 crore bridge piers started at Nagrota Surian on Saturday where Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had laid its foundation stone in January last year.

As per information, initially this bridge was proposed in 2004. The bridge was a dream project of local MLA and Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar when he was Lok Sabha MP from Kangra constituency. Former Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh had also laid its foundation at Jarot in 2015, but its construction could not be initiated as it had not got financial nod. During 2024-25 fiscal, with the initiative of PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) accorded financial approval of the ambitious project under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The bridge is considered significant not only for local inhabitants as it would improve regional connectivity, but also boost tourism in Kangra district.

After completion of this bridge, the distance between Nagrota Surian and Jarot village will reduce from 8 km to 2 km and Nagrota Surian to Jawali, the sub divisional headquarters, from 25 to 16 km. The construction of the bridge is being undertaken by Panchkula-based company with a target to complete the work in next three years.

Manohar Lal, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Jawali division, said the bridge with 828 metre length over the Gajj Khud would have 23 spans each with 36 metre length and be elevated on 22 bridge piers. He said the foundation work for the construction of all 23 spans would be completed until the monsoon season of this year. The residents of Nagrota Surian belt in Jawali Assembly constituency have expressed pleasure over the financial approval for this long-standing development project. The bridge will benefit the populace of 200 gram panchayats in Kangra district and also help in easing traffic congestion across the district. The bridge will also enhance the importance of the ring road alongside the Pong wetland and give a major boost to tourist influx in the wetland area which has immense tourism potential.