Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his government has focused attention on construction of bridges and road networks across the state to upgrade the road communication facilities and link up rural and remote areas with main highways.
"We have started construction of scores of bridges in various areas of the state. Bridges play significant importance in making the road communication smooth, less time consuming and more dependable," he said after laying the foundation stone of a bridge on river Jhelum at Vethapora-Soiteng near here. "Scores of bridges have already been opened for traffic during the last three years," Omar said and asked the Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC), the executing agency for Venthapora bridge, to ensure its completion within the targeted time frame.
The construction of the 120 metre long double-lane PSC girder type bridge at Vethapora involves an expenditure of over Rs 13.39 crores.
The bridge will provide direct connectivity to the National Highway benefiting about 1.5 lakh population residing in the areas of Vethapora, Soiteng, Lasjan, Padshahibagh and Nowgam. The bridge, expected to be completed in 36 months, will also provide an alternative for the motorists entering the city from south Kashmir reducing traffic congestion to some extend.
"You should try to reduce the time frame from three years to 2.5 years," the Chief Minister directed the JKPCC. PTI