Year after completion, Rs 8 cr Mandi bridge’s opening stuck due to lack of approach roads

MANDI: Over a year after its completion, the suspension bridge connecting Purani Mandi to Paddal in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh remains non-operational due to stalled land acquisition for its approach roads.

Despite the bridge being built at a cost of Rs 7 crore to Rs 8 crore, bureaucratic delays and lack of government funds have left the project hanging, frustrating local residents already burdened by heavy traffic congestion.

Completed just before last year’s Shivratri Mela, the bridge was intended to ease traffic flow in Mandi city and provide an alternative ambulance-accessible route across Beas river.

However, the absence of approach roads on both ends has rendered the structure useless, forcing commuters to continue using overcrowded routes.

Land acquisition stuck in limbo

The core issue lies in the failure to acquire private land essential for constructing the approach roads. The land on the Purani Mandi side belongs to the Lohia family, while the Gymkhana Club owns the land on the Paddal side. Despite discussions with local authorities, landowners have refused to release their property until an official land acquisition notification is issued.

While the government has been sitting on the file in Shimla for nearly two years, it has yet to allocate the ₹2–2.5 crore required for the acquisition. Landowners have indicated they are open to receiving payments later but insist that the acquisition process must first be formalized.

Local PWD officials have confirmed that the project is at a standstill, with the file awaiting government approval for the notification.

Escalating Costs and Political Blame Game

Initially budgeted at ₹3 crore, the bridge’s cost has now soared to ₹11 crore due to delays and mismanagement. According to political sources, the bridge’s foundation was hastily laid by the then Chief Minister under political pressure, without fully addressing the need for land acquisition.

Criticism has also been directed at the PWD for not flagging the potential land-related hurdles before initiating the project. While citizens demand answers from current officials, political leaders argue that those responsible for the rushed decisions should be held accountable.

“The government must now decide whether to invest nearly four times the original cost to complete the project,” sources revealed, emphasizing the growing financial burden.

Public Caught in the Crossfire

Meanwhile, residents of Mandi remain the ultimate victims of this bureaucratic deadlock. The city has been grappling with increasing traffic congestion, and the incomplete bridge was seen as a solution to ease the pressure, especially during events like the annual Shivratri Mela, which brings thousands of visitors to the region.

Locals now face an indefinite wait, with no clear timeline for when — or if — the bridge will finally become operational. As the debate between political leaders and government departments continues, the promise of relief for the public remains unfulfilled.

Munish Sood(Mandi)