Dilapidated bridge in Alpuri could crumple anytime

Constant traffic often results in congestion on both sides, with heavy vehicles frequently getting stuck in potholes

By Our Correspondent
September 09, 2024
A representational image showing part of the main Alpuri-Besham affected by floodwater during the third spell of monsoon rains. — NNI/File
A representational image showing part of the main Alpuri-Besham affected by floodwater during the third spell of monsoon rains. — NNI/File

ALPURI: A bridge, which was established in the 1970s in the district headquarters of Shangla, is now in a state of disrepair and could cause any major road accident.

The bridge was originally built to accommodate a few hundred vehicles. However, over the years, it has deteriorated and large potholes have appeared both in the middle and on both sides of the bridge.

Currently, thousands of vehicles from Shangla district, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kohistan pass over the bridge daily.

The constant traffic often results in congestion on both sides, with heavy vehicles frequently getting stuck in the potholes.

Despite repeated surveys conducted by the National Highways Authority (NHA) for the bridge's reconstruction, a tender has yet to be issued.

The NHA sources said that political factors were behind the delays in the bridge’s construction as influential figures with properties on both sides of the bridge, have been preventing the project from moving forward.

Although the condition of the bridge frequently becomes a topic of discussion on social media, elected representatives continue to delay its repair using various tactics.

During the period of militancy, tanks passed over the bridge, after which only minor repairs were carried out. However, the bridge now urgently needs repair.