Jammu & Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) under the Bridges component has taken up construction of 18 bridges at a cost of Rs.46.44 crore in Kashmir division. Of these, 9 bridges involving an expenditure of Rs.0.75 to Rs. 2 crore have been allotted to Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) for execution. Whileas the construction work of other 9 Bridges involving more than Rs. 2 crore each have been allotted to different construction agencies.
The bridges taken up are spread over 7 districts in Kashmir division. These bridges include Gundtaldora bridge, Teilbal bridge, Kanikadal bridge, Saidapora Bridge and Padhahi bagh bridge in District Srinagar, Town Hall Bridge and Naraspora Bridge in District Budgam, Laktipora Bridge and Soafshali Bridge in District Anantnag, Sail Bridge, Wahibug Bridge, Anchak Bridge and Tokina Bridge in District Pulwama, Champora Kunzer Bridge, Dachnipora bridge and Yarbug in district Baramulla, Popachan bridge in District Bandipora, and Sonwani Bridge in District Kupwara.
Kanikadal Bridge in Srinagar has already been completed in April 2008, whileas 70-90% progress has been achieved on Laktipora, Gundtaladara and Teilbal Bridges and Work on rest of 14 bridges are in full swing.
The main objective of construction of these bridges is to improve the connectivity between different parts of the valley and provide better means of communication to pave way for economic betterment.