Poor conditions of Bridges of Chitral can cause major accident any times.
By: Gul Hamaad Farooqi
CHITRAL: Poor conditions of suspension bridges of Chitral can be cause of any major accident any times. A suspension at Brep Yarkhun valley was left incomplete for a long time and was completed after 3 years. Similarly the main suspension bridge at Ayun which connecting Kalash valley to entire district is also very dangerous. Although a huge amount was released by Communication and Works department for maintenance of this bridge but condition of bridge is still dangerous and the fund was misappropriated by a few influential contractors.
Similarly conditions of suspension bridges at upper Chitral also not so good. A few years back a student’s fell down in river and died on the spot while crossing such a suspension bridge. Some 10 peoples were died at Shogram area when a passenger jeep crossing such a suspension bridge where there is no fencing and no protection wall on road side toward the river.
7 people were died at Barnius when a passenger vehicles fell down in deep ravine when it crossing a bridge which also without any fencing and protection wall or parapet wall toward the river. Unfortunately 3 real brothers were also died in that fatal accident. Brides at Rech valley, Koshum, Sanoghur, Zizdi, Istaro, Shahgram, Zeewargoal and upper Chitral are very dangerous. These bridges situated on Chitral river but having blind turns and a vehicles can cross these turn by exercising so many times to go back and ahead.
Residents of Chitral demanding for construction of fencing on both sides of bridges and protection wall on road side linking these bridges.
Chitral Bridges in poor condition