By: Irfan Rashid khan
It is a nightmare to cross the bridge at Dalgate, Srinagar, when driving towards areas including Rainawari etc. What should ideally be a smooth ride turns into a frustrating experience due to the numerous gaps on the bridge. Drivers must navigate over five to six gaps in a single stretch, creating abrupt bumps that not only make driving uncomfortable but also pose risks to vehicle suspension and road safety.
Substandard Construction and Lack of Oversight
One can’t help but question the construction quality of this bridge and whether the responsible parties were aware of the “convenience” they were supposed to provide. It feels as if the contractor and the design team overlooked essential aspects of road safety and traffic flow. The result is a structure that seems to defy basic standards, leading to daily inconvenience for commuters.
Ignored Guidelines and Standards
According to the Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards, bridges must ensure a smooth transition from approach roads, avoiding uneven surfaces and gaps that create discomfort for road users. Unfortunately, these standards appear to have been ignored in the case of the Dalgate Bridge. Proper supervision during construction and regular post-construction maintenance are critical, yet evidently lacking in this instance.
The Need for Accountability
It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the poor state of this bridge. The responsible authorities, particularly the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, need to take action. A thorough inspection must be conducted to assess the extent of the problem, and the original contractor should be held accountable for any deviations from prescribed standards. If found guilty of negligence, the contractor must face consequeces, whether through fines, blacklisting, or other legal actions.
Improving Future insfrastructure Projects
For future projects, stronger quality control measures must be implemented. Contractors should include clear provisions for regular inspections and enforcements of standards. The use of low-quality materials, construction shortcuts, and a lack of proper oversight must not be tolerated. If the IRC standards or other construction guidelines are violated, severe penalties should be imposed to ensure that public infrastructure serves its intended purpose effectively.
Immediate Repairs are Critical
While long-term solutions focus on accountability and quality improvements, immediate action is necessary to address the current situation. The gaps on the Dalgate bridge need permanent repairs, not temporary patching. Resurfacing or replacing affected sections of the bridge will ensure a safe and smooth experience for daily commuters.
Infrastructure should serve the people
Public infrastructure is meant to serve the masses, not inconvenience them. As a regular commuter facing daily challenges on this bridge. I urge the authorities to take prompt action. Accountability must be enforced, and future projects must prioritize the well-being of those who depend on them. Let’s start by addressing the long-ignored gaps on the Dalgate Bridge to make roads in Srinagar safer for everyone.
An Islamic Perspective on causing inconvenience
Islam teaches us to consider the well-being of others and to avoid causing harm or inconvenience. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The removal of harm from the road is a part of faith” (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith emphasizes that public services, including the construction of roads and bridges, must be done with care. Negligence that leads to harm or discomfort is against Islamic principles. It is a reminder to those in positions of responsibility to be mindful of their impact on the public and to strive for excellence in their service.
Hopes from the newly formed Government in J&K
The state of roads in Jammu and Kashmir has been a concern for years, with many constructed but left without adequate maintenance. I hope the new government will take an active role in the construction and upkeep of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, ensuring they are built to last and serve the community well. Contractors should be held to strict maintenance obligations for a substantial period and be accountable for their work quality, with all efforts made to eradicate corruption at every level.
Irfankhn9710@gmail.com
