Decaying bridge in Shangla poses threat to public safety

ALPURI: The dilapidated bridge in Alpuri, the district headquarters of Shangla, is on the verge of collapse and could lead to a major disaster at any moment.

Built during the rule of the Wali of Swat, the bridge was originally designed to accommodate only a few hundred vehicles. However, with time, it has deteriorated significantly, with large potholes in the middle and on both sides, posing serious threats to commuters.

Thousands of vehicles from across Shangla, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kohistan pass over this bridge every day. The residents said that the NHA has conducted multiple surveys for the bridge’s reconstruction, but no tenders have been issued so far. According to NHA sources, political interference was a major reason for the delay. Despite frequent public outcry on social media regarding the bridge’s dire state, local elected representatives continue to delay its reconstruction through various tactics.