Strategic Link: The Rathoa-Haryam Bridge – OpEd

What is more striking than a bridge? A government’s dedication to constructing one no matter the existing conditions. The Rathoa-Haryam Bridge Project in Mirpur, AJ&K which had begun in 2006 represents more than mere iron girders or concrete slab; it stands for the endurance of the people of AJ&K and the commitment of the government.

This much needed artery will help cut down travel time, enhance the connectivity of regions and bring the economy of a region to a new level of development. The longest bridge in AJ&K is the Rathoa Haryam Bridge which is almost 5-kilometer-long that is built across the reservoir channel of Mangla Dam. It links up the city of Mirpur with Islamgarh.

At first the idea of building the bridge was to reduce the distance between Mirpur to nearby cities by 21KM and reduce travel time by 25 minutes. It would also play a crucial role of a controlling link connecting Kotli district; it would reduce distance by 20%. As such, organisational challenges are bound to have occurred during the course of the project – delays in construction, changes in costs and designs among others which led to the postponement of the completion date. However, instead of allowing it to join the list of half-baked projects the incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is fully committed to its actualization. The initial budget of Rs. 1.39 billion ballooned to Rs. 6.48 billion by 2017, and still, 75% of the work was done. However, under Sharif’s leadership, the government injected new life into the project, pledging a whopping Rs. 10 billion to ensure its timely completion This was not an easy task to achieve during a period like the current one at the global economic downturn; however, this shows that the regional development is priority in the governments development agenda especially in the regions like AJ&K that require major developmental infrastructure.

This is not just a bridge but a source of life to the people of Mirpur and its adjacent cities. When construction is finalized, the Rathoa-Haryam Bridge will help in the transport of goods and people and thus unlock the potential for economic developments among other things. As the region opens up for trade the logistics and transportation sectors would benefit the most out of all industries. Accessibility and transportation have come down in meaning that product gets to the market early, and there has been an inflow of investment transforming Mirpur into a regional economic center.

But the social significance of this project may hardly be overemphasized. This bridge will help thousands of its inhabitants to get necessary healthcare, education or job opportunities in nearby towns. People will not be isolated from their families due to long distances, and the relations between Mirpur and Islamgarh will improve when people are closer to each other. This bridge in fact therefore inherently becomes the portal to a new emerging human capital for the AJ&K the designers of which are the products of modern day human rationality, thus – the confluence of economic development and social advancement.

This bridge has been campaigned for by civil society and local leaders and this has not gone unnoticed. Whereas previous governments faltered on the challenges, the present government has showed intention and brought millions of dollars towards realizing tangible meaning through a 23 billion rupees’ subsidy for AJ&K out of which 10 billion were assigned for the bridge alone. It is not just a bridge constructed to span the river; it is a structure that represents success, and things to come. Looking to the future, it is possible state that this project upon its execution will give a new look to the given area.

With an eye on the future, on such developments, have the ability to bring about an equitable form of growth in the country the Rathoa-Haryam Bridge will be a major infrastructure project. In today’s economy where construction is slowed down due to the rough economic moments this project shows that it is possible with proper leadership skills and desire. The people of AJ&K have waited with great anticipation, and now their wait is about to be over by having a government which is effectively working for their cause to deliver to the people.