SRINAGAR: Restoration work on the main bridge at Chadoora in Budgam district, which was declared unsafe and closed to vehicular traffic in November 2025, is currently underway, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, the deputy chief minister said the bridge was inspected by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, which submitted its technical recommendations on February 2, 2026.
Based on those recommendations, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for restoration and reconstruction of the bridge was prepared, and administrative approval of ₹999.54 lakh was accorded, he said. The project was awarded on August 3, 2026, and work is presently in progress.
On the alternate bridge near the New Bus Stand in Chadoora, Choudhary said the structure has already been constructed. He informed the House that ₹50 lakh has been allocated under the Union Territory Capex Budget 2026-27 for construction of the approach road.
The minister said the land acquisition process and feasibility assessment for the road alignment are underway. The approach road and commissioning of the alternate bridge will be taken up after completion of land acquisition and other required formalities.
Regarding the Hanjigund bridge, the deputy chief minister said it is part of the NABARD-funded project for construction of a diversion road from Hanjigund to Chadoora via Dawlatpora, including a 35-metre truss girder bridge.
He informed the Assembly that the bridge and about 2.5 kilometres of road have already been completed, while the overall project has achieved 76 per cent physical progress.
Choudhary said the remaining portion of the project is nearing completion and is being addressed by the concerned authorities.
