Nallah Sindh Bridge Closed to Heavy Vehicles Amid Safety Concerns

SRINAGAR: Authorities in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have closed the bridge constructed over Nallah Sindh at Sumbal Bala Gund in Kangan for the movement of heavy vehicles after it was declared unsafe by the Roads and Buildings Department.

Officials said that despite earlier warnings, heavy vehicles continued to ply on the bridge, raising serious safety concerns and increasing the risk of a potential accident. The Roads and Buildings Department had already issued an advisory declaring the bridge structurally unsafe, but it remained in use for large transport vehicles until now.

The decision to finally restrict heavy vehicle movement was taken after locals raised the issue with SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, during the “Thana Diwas” programme held at Police Station Gund yesterday. The locals had urged the senior officer to take immediate action to prevent any mishap.

Following the request, SSP Ganderbal directed SHO Gund, Rayees Ahmad, to implement the closure without delay. Acting upon these instructions, police on Sunday sealed the bridge for heavy vehicle traffic while allowing light vehicles to continue using it.

Authorities said the measure is temporary and aimed at ensuring public safety until the bridge is either repaired or reconstructed. Locals have appreciated the prompt response of the district police and urged the administration to expedite the bridge’s restoration work.

Kashmir News Trust was told that the R&B Department will soon carry out a technical assessment to determine the next course of action for the bridge’s repair. [KNT]