TNR News Network
Jawalamukhi (Kangra): A bridge project in Jawalamukhi constituency of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh remains stalled nine years after being announced with much fanfare by the then Congress government.
The foundation stone for the bridge was laid in 2016. Congress leader Sanjay Rattan was the MLA. At the time, residents were hopeful that the project would ease connectivity issues, boost local trade and bring long-awaited infrastructural development to the region. However, as of 2025, the site shows no sign of progress.
Locals say the delay has become symbolic of the broader development deficit in the constituency. “We were promised better roads and bridges, but this foundation stone is the only visible outcome. Every election, leaders come and talk about development, but on the ground, nothing has changed,” a resident remarked.
Political observers point out that development projects often get caught in the crossfire of changing governments and shifting priorities.
With the foundation being laid during the Congress rule and the BJP subsequently holding power, responsibility for the delay has become a point of blame between the rival parties.
The issue is also drawing attention in the run-up to upcoming political campaigns. Critics say tall claims of “vikas” and branding leaders as “development messiahs” or “vikas purush” ring hollow when flagship projects like this bridge remain incomplete after nearly a decade.
Meanwhile, villagers continue to face difficulties, especially during the monsoon season when crossing the river becomes risky. Community leaders have renewed calls for immediate intervention, demanding that the state government clarify timelines for the project’s completion.
For now, the bridge stands as an unfulfilled promise — a reminder of how political symbolism often outweighs real development on the ground.
