Pathankot: Punjab Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak laid the foundation stone for the construction of the much-awaited Shingarma Bridge near Kolian village in Bhoa Assembly constituency.
Addressing the gathering, Kataruchak said the bridge had been a long-standing demand of residents living across the Ravi River and its construction would significantly improve connectivity in the region. He said the project would benefit people from around 60–65 villages. The proposed bridge will be approximately 165 metres long and 42 metres wide and will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹17.82 crore.
Kataruchak said three new bridges have been approved for the Bhoa constituency at a total estimated cost of around ₹62 crore. Besides the Shingarma Bridge, construction of a bridge over Jalaliya Nallah is expected to begin within a week, while another bridge will be constructed at Sambhla near Gharota.
The minister said residents across the Ravi River had been facing connectivity-related difficulties for years. He added that the government was undertaking road, bridge and other infrastructure projects based on the needs of local residents. He also highlighted other proposed development initiatives, including the process for establishing a 100-bed hospital in the area and a major bridge connecting Narot Jaimal Singh with Kiri.
Kataruchak said strengthening connectivity and basic infrastructure remained his priority for Bhoa constituency. He expressed confidence that the Shingarma Bridge would ease traffic-related problems and provide a major boost to movement and development in the area.
A large number of local residents, Panchayat representatives and other public representatives attended the foundation-laying ceremony.
