Dedicates 3×43 m Noor Jahan Bridge at Qamarwari
Srinagar, Oct 31: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the 3×43 metre PSC Girder Double Lane Noor Jahan Bridge at Qamarwari, a key infrastructure project built over the River Jhelum to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Qamarwari and Noorbagh, linking the two sides of Srinagar city with Nallahmar Road.
Addressing a large gathering after inaugurating the bridge, the Chief Minister said, “This bridge’s foundation was laid by me and after 11 years our government comes back to complete it and today dedicate it to the people.”
Highlighting his government’s focus on development, dignity, and peace, Omar Abdullah said, “Despite the hurdles we face in governance, my government prioritises progress and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. We are committed to fulfilling our promises and bringing lasting change.”
Renewing his call for the restoration of statehood, the Chief Minister noted that the assurance had been made repeatedly by the Central Government. “People took part enthusiastically in last year’s elections as statehood was promised to them after polls. There is no political party which didn’t talk about its restoration,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s vision for modern and sustainable infrastructure, Omar Abdullah said the administration would continue to develop efficient transport systems to meet the needs of Srinagar’s expanding urban population. “After completing our term, we will present ourselves before the people to judge our government’s performance,” he added.
Constructed at a cost of ₹12.77 crore, the bridge marks a major boost to Srinagar’s road infrastructure, aimed at facilitating smoother vehicular movement in the densely populated Qamarwari and adjoining areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul, MLA Central Shalteng Tariq Hameed Karra, along with several senior officers and officials from the concerned departments, attended the inaugural event.
The Noor Jahan Bridge is expected to significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks, improve accessibility for commuters and traders, and provide much-needed relief to residents in one of Srinagar’s busiest corridors.
Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah today refused to be drawn into a war of words with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha over his remarks on statehood, saying he would respond only after going through the statement of the LG.
Earlier, while speaking at an event at SKICC here, the LG said the lack of statehood to J-K cannot be used as an excuse for “under performance” as the elected government has all the powers.
When asked by reporters about the LG’s statement, Abdullah said he had not read Sinha’s statement.
“First, I would like to see the words he has used, because if there is a difference in what he has stated and what you are saying, then if I say something which is wrong, it will not be good,” the chief minister said.
He added, however, that if the LG has said what the media personnel were saying, then he “will respond to that at the right time”.
Abdullah also attended the inaugural ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon Expo here.
