Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today inaugurated Gutasa bridge in presence of PMO Dr Jitendra Singh at the cost of Rs. 375.94 lakhs on Doda- Bhaderwah road whose curtain was unveiled by OC 114 RCC (BRO) Bhaderwah Pramodh Kumar along with DDC Chairman Dhanater Singh, Army CO, ADC Bhaderwah . This bridge is at about 190km from Jammu city in UT Jammu and Kashmir.A 24- meter long Gutasa bridge is included in the nine bridges in UT Jammu and Kashmir among 24 brides dedicated today to the nation by Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.While addressing the event through video conferencing, the Defence Minister expressed his admiration for the BRO personnel, praising their endurance and resolve. Singh said, “Roads in border areas are not only for strategic needs but also ensure equal participation of remote areas in the development of the nation. Despite the numerous challenges, the patience and determination of the BRO personnel have made this a historic feat.”After inaugurating the 24-meter-long Gutasa bridge, DDC Chairman while appreciating OC 114 RCC said that with the construction of this bridge on time, traffic issues of the region will be resolved and this will also help in smooth passage of army convoys and vehicles of pilgrim tourists as well as continue local traffic.DCC chairman also demanded handover of all road construction work to BRO in erstwhile Doda district for and timely completion of all road. The bridge was built before deadline said OC while crediting the engineer and other staffers of 114 RCC for its construction and overcoming several challenges like COVID-19 lockdown and shortage of labour.Besides local people who were present on the occasion founder of social organization Bhaderwah Eco-watch (Trust) Mansoor Qadir appreciated the OC 114 RCC and his team for their hard efforts in completing six bridges including Gutasa bridge before the deadlines in this year despite several challenges including Covid-19 will become a game changer for traffic issues in this region. Captain Sachit (114 RCC ) said besides local people and outside visitors this bridge will provide uninterrupted connectivity to armed forces in their counter insurgency operations as once being militancy hit area security forces have been deployed in the area for counter insurgency purposes.
