Work on Istaru bridge to complete in two months: official

BOONI: Work on the reconstruction of Istaru bridge on Booni-Torkhow road is underway and will complete in two months, said Engineer Anis Ahmed while briefing Assistant Commissioner Mastuj Saqlain Salim who visited the site.

The bridge on the Torkhow road collapsed in March this year when a Datsun was crossing it. The driver of the Datsun lost his life in the bridge collapse. As the bridge has not been reconstructed, traffic on the road is diverted on to an old track that is prone to accidents.

A woman, her two children and the driver of vehicle were killed in an accident while travelling on the alternative road on July 18, 2020.

Residents told ChitralToday that this old road is set to be blocked in case of rain and snowfall this winter and hence there is an urgent need to reconstruct the bridge at Istaru.

The AC was told that the old emergency road was being cleared of debris but its widening was not possible due to many hurdles, including owners of land along it not allowing expansion of the road without compensation..

A number of notables of the area were present on the occasion. The AC asked them to visit his office in the form of a delegation to discuss the matter.

He also asked the contractor and engineer to expedite work on the RCC bridge to finish it as soon as possible.