Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 27 : After years of anticipation, the long-awaited Dalgate Bridge has finally been opened to the public, connecting Boulevard Road and downtown Srinagar.
The bridge was demolished several years ago due to safety concerns, but it has now been reconstructed and is ready for traffic flow in both directions.
An official from the Roads and Buildings Department (R&B) informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the mechanisation of the bridge was completed last (Wednesday) night at 11 pm, and traffic started flowing this morning.
Over the years, residents and commuters frequently voiced their dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of construction on this vital link. However, the mood was markedly different today.
“Our patience has finally been rewarded. We have been waiting for this day for so long,” said Amir from Khanyar. “This new bridge will help with the traffic issues we’ve been facing.”
Another commuter, Tahir, echoed similar sentiments, saying the bridge is crucial for daily commutes. “The opening is a huge relief, and we hope it will bring about the much-needed traffic decongestion in the area,” he said.
The chief engineer of R&B, Sajad Naqeeb, told KNO that work is ongoing on another vital bridge, Noorbagh-Qamarwari, which is expected to be completed by the end of August or early September—(KNO)
