Hoshiarpur: The construction work of the 'Adi Guru Shankaracharya Setu', an important project connecting the city's development, religious faith, and modern infrastructure, was formally inaugurated on Sunday. During a function organized at Adi Guru Shankaracharya Chowk, MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa initiated the project by performing 'Bhoomi Pujan' in the presence of Govardhan Math Puri Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj.
MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa stated that this bridge will not only strengthen the transport system of the area but will also provide a new strength to the religious and cultural identity of the city. Jimpa explained that in order to honor the city's religious heritage, he had previously named the route from Mahavir Setu to Dhobi Ghat Chowk as 'Shri Ram Path' and renamed Dhobi Ghat Chowk as 'Adi Guru Shankaracharya Chowk'. Continuing this series, the proposed bridge connecting Adi Guru Shankaracharya Chowk to the Adamwal road has now been named 'Adi Guru Shankaracharya Setu'.
He mentioned that various religious, social, and Sanatan organizations, including the Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha Hoshiarpur, had been demanding for a long time that this bridge be named after Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Respecting public sentiments, the Punjab government has approved this important project.
Jimpa stated that the 141-meter-long high-level bridge will be constructed over the Bhangi Choe on the Dhobi Ghat-Adamwal road at a cost of approximately ?8.11 crore. After receiving administrative approval for the project, the Public Works Department prepared the design, completed the tender process, and construction work has now begun. He added that the target is to complete the construction of the bridge within 15 months.
The MLA mentioned that currently, there is only a concrete causeway at this location, where people face immense difficulties during the rainy season due to the rising water level in the Bhangi Choe. Traffic is often completely disrupted, causing problems for local residents, students, and devotees. The construction of the new high-level bridge will provide a permanent solution to this problem.
MLA Brahm Shankar Jimpa stated that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is advancing development works in the Hoshiarpur assembly constituency on a priority basis. 'Adi Guru Shankaracharya Setu' will prove to be an important achievement in this direction. He said that this bridge is not just a construction project but a symbol of the city's cultural heritage, religious faith, and modern development, which will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.