People of Padgampora in south Kashmir gets bridge after 22 years

Srinagar, May 27 (UNI) People of Padgampora in south Kashmir finally got a bridge after more than two decades, thanks to Indian Air Force (IAF) for constructing it at a cost of Rs seven crores.

The ''Padgampora'' wooden bridge constructed on river Jehlum in 1955 was declared unsafe for traffic, a defence ministry spokesman said.

He said no initiative was taken by the state government for restoration of this lifeline, connecting several villages with the the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

However, the IAF took the initiative and decided to construct the bridge, he said adding finally the work on 140 meter RCC bridge was started in 2004 as a goodwill gesture.

The bridge, being inaugurated by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad tomorrow in the presence of Air Vice Marshal J Chauhan, Air Officer Commanding Jammu and Kashmir, was constructed at a cost of Rs seven crores by the IAF.

UNI BAS RP KP1721