Kaloosa (Bandipora), Jan 9: The slow pace of construction work on Kaloosa Bridge, connecting Bandipora with Sopore and Baramulla has irked the frequent commuters to these areas. 
 According to these commuters, the bridge construction was still in its “initial stage” after the work was started by the Economic Reconstruction Agency in July 2008.
 Sources said the bridge construction was to be completed in 36 months out of which 29 had already elapsed. “The Agency has even failed to erect the base pillars of the bridge to be completed at a cost of Rs 4 crores,” sources added.
 “Keeping in view the slow pace of work from year 2008, the construction of Bridge over Madhumati River will not be completed within stipulated time,” the residents told Greater Kashmir adding the frequent commuters to Sopore and Baramulla were facing tremendous hardships due to the non-availability of the vital link.
 They said the old Kaloosa Bridge was constructed in the year 1950 over Madhumati, but its condition deteriorated gradually making it unsafe for pedestrian movement. “Due to floods in 2008, huge cracks developed in the bridge after which the government declared it unsafe for the movement,” the residents added.
ERA SPEAKS
 Assistant Engineer (Construction), Southern Railway said the work was affected due to the summer unrest and was also stopped for sometime due to changes made in design.
 “The design of the bridge was first 2x25 span which was later changed to 25x4 span after the interference of local MLA and deputy commissioner,” he said adding the work would be completed within stipulated time.
ADDC’s SAYS
 Additional District Development Commissioner, Ghulam Muhammad said “we have taken up the issue with ERA and they have assured that construction work will be expedited.”

Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST