BANDIPORA, Nov 18: The District Administration Bandipora on Monday ordered the immediate shutdown of the Nanainara Sumbal Bridge on the Srinagar–Bandipora Road after a structural audit declared the bridge unsafe for public use.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib issued the closure order following a detailed inspection carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) in coordination with the Design Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) wing. The audit confirmed that the bridge had suffered extensive damage and posed a serious threat to commuter safety, prompting the authorities to take urgent action.
The bridge has been sealed for both vehicular and pedestrian movement, with senior officials — including SSP Bandipora, SSP Traffic Rural, and the Executive Engineer R&B Sumbal — directed to enforce the closure without exception.
To manage traffic flow, the administration has announced alternative routes:
For Heavy Motor Vehicles (Both Directions):
Safapora – Manasbal – Barsoo Road (via Ganderbal)
For Light Motor Vehicles:
Up Traffic (Sumbal → Bandipora):
Sumbal – Naninara (alternate link) – Safapora
Down Traffic (Bandipora → Sumbal):
Safapora – Manasbal – Barsoo (Ganderbal road)
Officials said the bridge will remain closed until a fresh structural assessment confirms it is safe for public use. The administration has urged commuters to follow the revised traffic plan and cooperate with enforcement teams to avoid congestion and ensure safety
