KULGAM, Jul 8: In a significant development for commuters in south Kashmir, macadamization work has officially commenced on the Kulgam Bypass project, bringing renewed hope of easing the persistent traffic congestion in the district. The work has started from the Brazloo Bridge stretch, and local residents have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the long-awaited bypass will soon provide major relief.
The Public Works Department (Project Division Srinagar) had undertaken the construction of an 8-kilometre bypass from Pahloo to Lirow in Kulgam to address increasing traffic pressure on the existing road network. The project, awarded to B&L Construction Company, is estimated to cost around Rs 57 crore, including Rs 25 crore for the construction of the Brazloo Bridge, while the remaining amount has been allocated for the road and other associated works.
Construction on the project began in March 2024. As part of the first phase, macadamization has now started from the Brazloo Bridge section, marking a major milestone in the execution of the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Executive Engineer Azmat Iqbal said that, following the directions of the district administration, macadamization work has been initiated in the first phase from the Brazloo Bridge to provide immediate relief from growing traffic congestion in the area. He added that the construction company has carried out the work in accordance with the prescribed technical standards and regulations.
The officer further stated that the Brazloo Bridge is expected to be opened to the public within the next one to two days, significantly improving traffic movement and connectivity in the district.
Local residents expressed satisfaction over the commencement of the macadamization work, saying the bypass will reduce traffic bottlenecks, shorten travel time, and improve transportation for both commuters and commercial vehicles. They also urged the authorities to expedite the remaining work so that the entire bypass project can be completed and made operational at the earliest.