Bridges play vital role in Jammu & Kashmir's economy: Omar

Bridges play a vital role in linking cut-off areas in a geographically diverse state like Jammu and Kashmir, and the state government has consistently provided funds keeping in mind their economic importance, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.

During the last four and a half years, the government has focused on upgradation and construction of road communication with special attention on building important bridges to connect cut-off areas and interlink various districts in the state, Omar said.

The chief minister was speaking after inaugurating a Rs 3.1 crore bridge at Wahibugh in Pulwama district.

Omar said that Wahibugh bridge has now connected Pulwama district with Budgam district. "This would generate wide-ranging economic activities for the people and give fillip to the development process in the two districts," he added.

Another bridge, ahead of Wahibugh at Aglar, is expected to be completed next year, he said.

Omar, however, expressed dismay over the delay in the completion of Wahibugh bridge as he had laid the foundation in 2002.

"Had the requisite funds been provided for the construction of bridges by the earlier government, it would have been completed long back," he said.

Omar said soon after his government took over, necessary funds were earmarked for the bridge due to its economic importance and vast benefits.

Referring to the construction of Pulwama circular road, the chief minister said much politics has been done over this road and those who talked too much about it did not arrange any funds for it.

The present government has earmarked Rs five crore for the construction of Pulwama circular road and the District Development Commissioner has been directed to move ahead on the process of land acquisition and development of the road, Omar said.

Later, the chief minister visited the Pahalgam Hydel Electric Project and inspected its various units.