– Construction stalled on a single pillar for a long time; Balachaur-Ropar traffic affected, hardships increase for commuters, transporters, and pilgrims.
* People’s clear-cut demand: Either build the bridge or open the route.
Nawanshahr (Asian independent) (Jatinder Pal Singh Kaler): The new bridge being constructed over the Bist Doab canal on the crucial connecting route linking Balachaur directly to Ropar district has become a major source of trouble for people instead of a convenience due to being left incomplete for a long time. When the construction of the new bridge started, the old route was closed to traffic, but even after a long time, due to the non-completion of the bridge work, people commuting daily between Balachaur and Ropar are now forced to travel extra distances via roundabout routes to reach their destinations. Consequently, both time and fuel of the people are being wasted, and public resentment regarding this important route is continuously increasing. The current status of bridge construction on the spot clearly portrays the slow pace of government projects. A main pillar of the bridge has been constructed, while the rest of the construction work has been lying incomplete for a long time. Machinery including JCBs parked at the construction site for a long period is falling prey to rust. Iron rebars and other construction materials lying on the site for the bridge’s construction are also bearing the brunt of the weather. People state that if the work continues to be delayed in this manner, the construction done so far and the material lying on the spot could also get ruined, creating a fear of wastage of public money. It is reported that due to the old bridge being narrow as well as in a dilapidated condition, the need for a new and sturdy bridge in its place was felt. Being constructed over the Bist Doab canal, this bridge is a vital part of the route connecting several important regions including Nurpur Bedi, Garhshankar, Bunga Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Balachaur, and Ropar. With the new bridge, not only was traffic expected to become smooth, but people traveling from Balachaur to Ropar and other areas were also supposed to get major relief. However, with the 
construction stalled midway, people’s hopes are now turning into disappointment.The old route has been completely blocked by dumping large heaps of mud, gravel, and sand. Because of this, people traveling from Balachaur to Ropar and Ropar to Balachaur have to cover several extra kilometers of journey. People using this route daily for jobs, business, and other tasks have to spend extra time and money every day. The closed route is directly impacting employees working in Swaraj Mazda factory and surrounding industrial areas, along with transporters and businessmen.
This route is not only important for general traffic but also holds special significance from a religious perspective. A large number of pilgrims reach Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib daily to pay obeisance. Due to the blocked route, pilgrims coming from far and wide are also forced to take detours. Especially for elderly devotees, this route has become a major challenge. Similarly, devotees visiting the ancient Shiva Mandir nearby are also affected. The route is also connected to the Gurdwara Sahib located across the Sutlej river in the Ansron area, and a large number of pilgrims from Balachaur and nearby villages visit there.
The heaps of sand and gravel dumped to block the route at the construction site are also posing a danger to people. Many two-wheeler riders are forced to try passing near or over these heaps, creating a risk of accidents. According to people, commuters have suffered injuries several times due to the uneven and dangerous path. People have demanded that until the bridge construction is completed, a safe alternative route should at least be provided.
– ‘Build the bridge soon, otherwise we will launch a struggle’—Ajay Mangupur
Talking in this regard, senior Congress party leader and District President Ajay Mangupur said that the work on this bridge has been going on for a long time, but so far only a single pillar has been built, and after that, the construction work has been completely stalled for a long time. He said that due to this, people on both sides of Balachaur and Ropar have to travel very long distances for their work. Expressing severe displeasure over the functioning of the government and administration, he stated that if the bridge construction is not resumed and completed soon, a major agitation will be launched against it, the full responsibility of which will lie with the government and the Ropar administration.
– Elderly pilgrims suffer the most due to the incomplete bridge—Gurpreet Gujjar Railmajra
Shiromani Akali Dal Badal senior leader Gurpreet Gujjar Railmajra said that the construction of this bridge was supposed to benefit the entire region greatly, but with the bridge work remaining incomplete, the general public as well as pilgrims visiting religious places are facing massive difficulties. He said that a large number of elderly pilgrims visit Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib, and due to the bad condition of the route, they sometimes suffer injuries. He appealed to the administrative authorities that if the bridge construction cannot be completed immediately, at least the mud, gravel, and sand dumped on this important route connected to the National Highway should be cleared to open the pathway for public movement soon.
– Assurance to talk to MLA Dinesh Chadha and resume work—Santosh Kataria
Speaking on this matter, constituency MLA Santosh Kataria said that she is taking the issue seriously. She stated that she will talk to Ropar MLA Dinesh Chadha to restart the halted work of the bridge and make efforts to complete the remaining construction as soon as possible so that the bridge can be dedicated to the public. She said that looking at the troubles faced by the people, an early solution to this matter is very essential.
– People’s clear-cut demand: Build the bridge or open the blocked route
Local residents, commuters, transporters, businessmen, and pilgrims state that they had high hopes from the new bridge, but the long-pending incomplete construction has now become a trouble for them. People have made a clear demand to the Punjab government, Ropar administration, and the concerned department that the bridge construction work should be restarted on a war footing and completed within the stipulated timeframe. If for any reason immediate completion of the bridge is not possible, at least the old route or a safe alternative route should be opened for general traffic.
People said that this is not just a bridge, but an important lifeline connecting two districts. The smooth operation of this route will provide major relief to the general public, employees commuting to industrial areas, transporters, businessmen, and pilgrims visiting religious sites. Now it remains to be seen when the government and administration, keeping in view the continuously escalating hardships of the people, will restart the construction of this incomplete bridge and when people will get relief from this ‘bridge of trouble’.
Photo caption: Views of Ajay Mangupur, Gurpreet Gujjar Railmajra, constituency MLA Santosh Kataria, and various pictures of the incomplete bridge.
