JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inspected the ongoing work on the Rs. 119 crore Pargwal Bridge project in Akhnoor.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Rajesh Gupta, and senior officers of the concerned departments.
During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for accelerating work from both ends of the bridge to ensure its timely completion. He said that the construction of the 1,640-metre bridge over the Chenab River is a vital project that will provide improved connectivity to over one lakh residents of Pargwal, Jourian, Khour Palanwalla and other adjacent areas. He added that the project will also link the two native constituencies of Chamb and Akhnoor, facilitating easier access to markets, healthcare facilities and educational institutions for local communities.
The bridge, located close to the LoC/International Border, will also serve as a crucial lifeline for the border population.
Reviewing the ongoing crate work, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised the need to maintain high quality standards to ensure durable flood protection along the bunds on both sides of the bridge. He directed the executing agency to mobilise additional manpower and machinery and to carry out work in double shifts to ensure completion of the Bridge project by March–April 2026.
“No delays shall be tolerated on this vital bridge project,” he said, while asserting that government is keenly watching completion of all road and bridge projects.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed on the fast execution of the 3.6 km approach road across Sajwal (Pargwal–Indri Pattan) in Jourian. He assured that the necessary patchwork on the road leading to Pargwal will be completed before its widening is taken up by the BRO.
He informed that out of the allotted Rs 119 crore, Rs 80 crore has already been released to the concerned agency to ensure unhindered and faster work execution.
During the tour, several public deputations met the Deputy Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for his close monitoring of the project. They also raised various local issues and demands.
The Deputy Chief Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured that all their genuine concerns would be addressed appropriately.
