Doda, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : A significant development for residents of the Siraj area is underway with the construction of the Mandol Bridge over the Chenab River in Doda district. This project, supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), aims to enhance last-mile connectivity. Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel time from Doda city to the National Highway in Assar from 2.5 hours to just 10 minutes.
The 200-meter-long bridge, which began construction in 2025, is expected to be finished by the end of the current financial year. It will soar 100 feet above the expansive Chenab River, providing reliable connectivity for approximately 90,000 residents across three administrative blocks in Doda—Kastigarh, Bagwah, and Assar—as well as the Rajgarh block in Ramban district.
Dinesh Bhushan, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department in Doda, stated, “The motorable bridge from Mandol to Malhori will be 200 meters long and 5.15 meters wide. Construction is progressing quickly, and it will connect the Kastigarh, Bagwah, and Assar blocks.”
The project has an approved budget of ₹24.69 crore, with ₹22.83 crore allocated for its construction. Once operational, the bridge will significantly benefit local residents and reduce travel time to the highway.
Local resident Mudassar expressed his excitement, saying, “Currently, reaching the National Highway requires a 2.5-hour journey through Doda city. With the new bridge, we will only need 10 minutes.” He reflected on the dreams of his ancestors, wishing they could witness this development, which will undoubtedly simplify life for the people of Siraj.
Preyavart Singh from Malhori village added, “The other side of the river is very close, but visiting relatives or handling emergencies requires a difficult journey. This bridge is a monumental development that will improve our lives.” He expressed gratitude to the Indian government for providing much-needed connectivity, noting that a distance that once exceeded 40 kilometers will now be easily covered in just 10 minutes.
The construction of motorable bridges over the Chenab River marks a crucial step for the remote and isolated communities in the Siraj area. These residents, living on the hilly slopes along the left bank of the Chenab in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, have historically faced significant challenges due to their geographical isolation. They often had to rely on perilous footbridges, zip-lines, or long detours through mountain paths.
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