The nearly 250-year-old wooden Amira Kadal bridge on the Jhelum in Srinagar was, after its redevelopment, inaugurated on Tuesday by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The bridge was originally built in 1774–77 by the Afghan Governor Amir Khan Sher Jawan. Of all the seven historical bridges of Srinagar, the Amira Kadal Bridge, also referred to as the “first Bridge,” is a relatively newer one compared with the rest of the six bridges. This bridge has been witness to many events of historical importance.
The project, costing Rs 7.70 crore under Srinagar Smart City Limited, was launched in December 2023, ensuring due diligence in heritage conservation, structural safety, and quality control.
Dedicating the pedestrian wooden bridge to the people of Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the historically significant project will preserve the legacy while improving urban mobility and quality of life.
“Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design. We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading or renovating the infrastructure. By preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares, and peaceful green spaces, we have made efforts to weave amenities into the cultural heartbeat of each city,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He emphasised that the renovation and upgradation of a city’s infrastructure should become a bridge, beautifully linking heritage with the needs of today.
This approach is already visible in several cities of J&K. The Lieutenant Governor stated that by breathing new life into our cities through preservation of cultural heritage, we are honoring the roots. He said that this commitment is about more than the upgradation of infrastructure; it is about building a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for the young generation.
“A true smart city is never just about new infrastructure. It is about sparking an entirely new way of quality living, which is vibrant, efficient and inclusive,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Interacting with local shopkeepers and traders, the Lieutenant Governor said that the opening of the pedestrian bridge will improve accessibility, boost commercial activity, and provide a pleasant experience for tourists.
Ahsan Pardesi, Member of Legislative Assembly from Lal Chowk; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Faz Lul Haseeb, CEO, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), senior officials, members of trade associations and prominent citizens attended the inaugural ceremony.