Four-Year Wait for Bridge Forces Uttarkashi Villagers to Trek 10km Daily
In the remote Pilang village of Uttarkashi's Bhatwadi development block, a long-pending road project remains incomplete even after four years, creating severe hardships for local residents. The community of over 400 people must walk nearly 10 kilometers along a steep, challenging route each day to access essential services including markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
Approved Project Stalled at Critical Bridge
Following persistent demands from villagers, the road project connecting Pilang village received official approval in 2021. Authorities successfully completed the cutting of approximately 7.5 kilometers of road, but the project has stalled at a crucial juncture. A vital approach bridge linking this newly constructed stretch to the Silla motor road remains unfinished, rendering the entire road project essentially useless for the community it was meant to serve.
"The benefits of the road project cannot be realised without the bridge," explained former village head Avtar, highlighting the fundamental problem facing his community. "We have the road, but we cannot use it to reach the main transportation network."
Bridge Construction Timeline and Delays
According to detailed accounts from villagers, construction of the critical bridge began in March 2022 under the supervision of executing agency Bridkul. The 4-meter-span motor bridge, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 312.7 lakh (approximately 3.127 crore rupees), was originally scheduled for completion by August 10, 2022.
However, nearly two years past that deadline, the structure remains incomplete. The delay has forced residents to continue their arduous daily treks, significantly impacting their access to:
- Medical care and emergency services
- Educational facilities for children
- Markets for daily necessities
- Employment opportunities
- Government services and offices
Official Response and Future Prospects
Bridkul general manager Ajay Kumar provided insight into the reasons behind the prolonged delay. "The contractor assigned to construct the bridge left the project midway," Kumar explained. "A new agency is expected to resume work soon."
This contractor abandonment has created a significant gap in the construction timeline, leaving villagers in a state of uncertainty about when their connectivity issues will finally be resolved. The incomplete bridge represents more than just a construction delay—it symbolizes years of unfulfilled promises and continued hardship for a remote community that has waited patiently for basic infrastructure improvements.
The situation in Pilang village highlights broader challenges in rural infrastructure development in Uttarakhand's border districts, where geographical challenges often compound administrative and logistical difficulties in completing critical projects.
