Commuters travelling between Dehradun and Ambala are set for a smoother ride, thanks to a new bridge in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district. A modern bow-string bridge built over the Markanda river, on the Kalaamb to Paonta Sahib stretch of National Highway-07, has been thrown open to the public. BJP MP from the Shimla parliamentary constituency, Suresh Kashyap, formally inaugurated the structure.
The virtual inauguration of the bridge was originally to be done by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, but a packed schedule kept him from taking part. The importance of the bridge is amplified by the fact that this very route links Dehradun with Ambala.
Shorter Distance, Easier Travel
Built at a cost of roughly 20 crore rupees, the bridge will make traffic flow far more smoothly than before. Crucially, it has also reduced the overall length of the national highway by about 400 metres.
Speaking to the media, MP Suresh Kashyap said around 20 crore rupees had been spent on constructing the bridge. Calling it an important project, he said its benefits would not be limited to local residents alone, but would also help tourists and devotees arriving from various states.
He added that the construction was completed in record time. Kashyap specifically thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning the funds for the project.
Big Investment Flowing Into Himachal's Roads
Kashyap said the central government has been steadily releasing large sums to Himachal for road construction. At present, 35 projects worth an investment of 22190 crore rupees are under way in the state, covering a length of around 545 kilometres.
He pointed out that within the Shimla parliamentary constituency alone, several projects worth crores of rupees are progressing with the central government's support. Work on the Kalka Shimla four-lane is moving fast, while around 1426 crore rupees is being spent on the Paonta Sahib to Hatkoti green corridor road. He also said 205 crore rupees has recently been sanctioned for the Neri bridge Ochghat road.
What a Bow-String Bridge Is
A bow-string bridge is essentially an arched bridge shaped like a bow. It has an upper curved arch that supports the lower deck, the road portion, through vertical hangers. Much like the string of a bow, a strong tie beam binds the two ends together and keeps the load on the bridge balanced. The bow-string bridge built in the Nahan assembly constituency is 180 metres long.
