Faulty design, land acquisition issues delay crucial bridge on Gamber river
The completion of a critical bridge over the Gamber river on the Subathu-Kunihar road has been stalled due to faulty design and unresolved land acquisition issues. Though nearly 90% of the work was completed months ago, the bridge could not be connected to the other side due to a 25-metre elevation difference and the presence of private land at the construction site.
Executive Engineer Gurminder Rana from the Public Works Department (PWD) said the private landowner, whose 3 bighas fell in the construction zone, moved court to ensure proper land acquisition. Following court orders, the land acquisition process has now been initiated and submitted to revenue authorities for mutual agreement.
Additionally, design flaws have further delayed progress. The contractor had earlier submitted two designs that were rejected on technical grounds. A third design has recently been submitted and is pending approval by the PWD’s design wing. Once approved, the remaining work, costing Rs 65,000, is expected to be completed within two months.
The new double-lane arch bridge, constructed parallel to an old, deteriorating structure, has already incurred costs of Rs 10 crore. Construction began in 2023 and is slated for completion by March 2025. However, delays have forced commuters to use the aging single-lane bridge, which is unsuitable for heavy vehicles such as cement-laden trucks. The old bridge, originally not designed to handle such loads, is now a safety concern.
The bridge lies on a critical route leading to the Darlaghat cement belt, home to major manufacturers like Ambuja Cements Limited and UltraTech Cement. Hundreds of trucks use this route daily to connect Arki, Kunihar, Darlaghat, and Subathu to National Highway-5, which links to Chandigarh and Solan.
Residents and motorists are eager for the new bridge’s completion, citing improved safety and convenience. The scenic location of the Gamber river and the new bridge’s design are also expected to boost tourism in the area, adding economic value to the region.
