Jammu, May 12: To connect the people in Rajouri and Poonch districts to Jammu, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would construct a bridge on the Jammu-Poonch highway over the River Chenab soon, the state government said today. The bridge, important for both strategic and civilian purposes, would cost Rs 16 crore, state minister for roads and buildings Abdul Rehman Veeri said.

"Most strategic and prestigious bridge on River Chenab would be constructed at a cost of Rs 16 crore at Akhnor on Jammu-Poonch highway keeping in view the defence requirements and needs of people of Rajouri and Poonch border districts," Veeri told today.

The work on the bridge project would start in August this year as the formalities have already been completed after it was submitted to the Union surface transport ministry, Veeri, who also hold the portfolio of law and parliamentary affairs, said.

He said this bridge would serve the people of Rajouri-Poonch with Jammu once it is completed, as only one temporary one-way iron bridge operated by the army is located on River China at Akhnoor.

"It will be most vital bridge for not only people of Rajouri and Poonch but also the defence establishment for speedy movement in the sensitive belt of J&K," Veeri said. Bureau Report