Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today dedicated to the nation, the cable-stayed bridge constructed at Basohali in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a rally on the occasion, Parrikar said that despite the challenges of difficult terrain the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has been working well on a number of road connectivity projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that bringing the BRO fully under the control of Defence Ministry has enhanced the pace of construction of roads, bridges and tunnels in the inaccessible and far-flung border areas of the country. He also appreciated BRO for the construction of Basohli cable bridge well in stipulated time. Parrikar was accompanied by MoS PMO and local MP Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The 592-metre long bridge constructed over river Ravi on Dunera- Basohli-Bhadharwah road would provide close connectivity between three northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The Basohli Cable-Bridge is fourth of its kind in India and first in North India and Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official sources, the bridge has been constructed by Border Roads Organization (BRO) at a cost of Rs 145 crore. The work on the maiden cable stay bridge of the state was started in May 2011 and its completion is expected to boost the connectivity and tourism in the area.