Historic British-era Pedestrian Bridge in Mandi Restored After Public Protest and Swift Action by PWD
Mandi – The old British-era pedestrian bridge over the Beas River at Kun-ka-Tar in Jogindernagar subdivision, which was breached during the devastating 2023 floods, has finally been restored and reopened for public use.
This development came after sustained protests by local residents, forcing the Public Works Department (PWD) to take immediate action.
Zila Parishad member Kushal Bhardwaj, who played a pivotal role in the restoration, expressed gratitude to the Executive Engineer of PWD Mandi, as well as the Assistant and Junior Engineers of Kotli sub-division, for their prompt response.
Acting on his recent suggestion, the department has installed heavy safety mesh railings on both sides of the bridge to ensure pedestrian safety.
Just three days earlier, Bhardwaj had visited the bridge site along with nearly three dozen local farmers, youth, and retired employees.
After inspecting the structure, he had flagged concerns over its safety and urged on-site officials to install protective grills to prevent potential accidents.
The PWD responded swiftly, completing the safety enhancements within days.
Bhardwaj recalled how the bridge, once forgotten and dangling in ruins since the floods, had nearly faded from public memory. “People only remembered it by the ropes hanging mid-air,” he said.
But determined to preserve this piece of history, he raised the demand for its renovation both in the Zila Parishad and before the state government and department. With support from local communities, especially from the Kotli side—including villages like Nouhli, Bihun, Kufri, Badidhar, Bharadu, Drubbal, and Pipli—his persistent efforts bore fruit.
While the old pedestrian bridge has now been restored for public use, Bhardwaj also highlighted the ongoing demand for a new motorable bridge, which he hopes will soon receive formal approval.
“The people of this region deserve better connectivity. This bridge is now a symbol of our unity and determination,” he added, congratulating the local residents for their support and collective achievement.
