Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal: Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, marked a significant milestone in Ganderbal’s infrastructure development with the inauguration of the Paribal Shallabugh bridge, following his recent election victory. The visit underscores Abdullah’s commitment to uplifting the district, which has been a key constituency for his party, the National Conference (NC).
The Paribal Shallabugh bridge, which links Srinagar to Sheerpathari in Ganderbal, is a vital addition to the area’s road network, easing the movement of people, goods, and services. The new bridge is expected to strengthen local connectivity, which in turn will boost the economy by improving access to markets and educational institutions in both Ganderbal and Srinagar. This project is seen as part of a broader initiative to promote rural development and bridge the gap between urban and rural regions.
In his inaugural address, Abdullah emphasized the transformative role of infrastructure in fostering balanced development throughout Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that a lack of connectivity has historically impeded economic growth and social mobility in rural areas, impacting both livelihoods and quality of life. With the completion of the bridge, residents will now have safer, faster travel options, especially crucial during winter when harsh weather makes commuting challenging.
Abdullah used the occasion to reaffirm his party’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people across the state, with a particular focus on smaller towns and villages that have often been neglected in favor of larger cities. He called for increased attention to rural needs, urging stakeholders to support projects that directly improve the lives of local residents.