Una, October 21:- Construction of the Ghaluwal-Jhalera bridge over the Swan River has picked up pace. The 292.50-metre-long double-lane bridge is being built at an estimated cost of ₹37 crore. It will make commuting more convenient for the public.
It is noteworthy that Deputy Chief Minister and Haroli MLA Mukesh Agnihotri laid the foundation stone for the bridge during the current financial year. Through his efforts, the project, being developed under National Highway-503A, received approval from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The New Bridge Will Replace the Six-Decade-Old Bridge
The old bridge over the Swan River was constructed in 1962 during the tenure of Pratap Singh Kairon, the then Chief Minister of Punjab. For decades, it remained a major route for transportation in the area. With the passage of time and an increase in the number of vehicles, traffic pressure on the bridge continued to grow. The narrow bridge frequently caused traffic jams. During the rainy season, damage to the bridge sometimes required its temporary closure for repairs.
The new bridge is being built keeping current traffic requirements in mind. It will make travel smoother and further strengthen connectivity in the region.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that the Ghaluwal-Jhalera bridge is important as an entry route to the Haroli Assembly constituency. Its construction will improve transportation in the area. He said that roads and bridges are not only means of transportation but also play an important role in promoting trade and economic activities.
Work on Other Bridge Projects in Haroli Also Underway
Other bridge projects are also being undertaken to strengthen connectivity in the Haroli Assembly constituency. The Pandoga-Tyudi bridge, being built at a cost of around ₹52 crore, is targeted for completion this year. In addition, construction work on 11 bridges costing approximately ₹140 crore is underway in the area.
Construction of the Haroli-Rampur bridge has already been completed. Work on smaller bridges and roads is also being carried out.
