Udhampur: Footbridge over Tawi awaiting repairs for five years

Jammu, February 11

Used by hundreds of villagers daily, a footbridge over the Tawi in Udhampur is awaiting repairs for past over five years.

The wooden footbridge located in the Neele-Dalard area in Ramnagar of Udhampur is located nearly 40 km from the district headquarters. The bridge has become a cause of worry as it is used by school-going students everyday.

With over 500 schoolchildren and hundreds of others relying on the route, the footbridge has become a lifeline for the residents of Ghordi, Neeli, Chouki Jandror, Surni, Badhol, and Dalsar villages.

The bridge’s wooden planks have decayed, creating large and dangerous gaps. Apprehensions about potential accidents and loss of life have been raised, emphasising the urgent need for repairs.

Built in the early 1960s, the footbridge’s wooden planks have not been repaired for the past five years.

Locals have urged the district administration to immediately order repair of the bridge, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety of the community.

Local resident Sunil Kumar said school-going students often faced difficulty in crossing the bridge. “While the region has seen development in the past years, the administration has failed to take care of the footbridge,” said Kumar.

Interestingly, a senior official in the Udhampur administration informed that a detailed project report (DPR) had been prepared and soon the bridge would be repaired. He said the DPR had been submitted with the authorities concerned for allocation of funds.

Lifeline of several villages

• The wooden footbridge is located in the Neele-Dalard area in Ramnagar of Udhampur district
• It has become a lifeline for the residents of Ghordi, Neeli, Chouki Jandror, Surni, Badhol and Dalsar villages
• It is used by hundreds of locals, including students, daily