rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao

March 15, 2026
MIRPUR (AJK): The structure of the long-awaited Rs. 9.00 billion Rathooha-Haryam Bridge over the country’s second-largest Mangla Dam reservoir in Mirpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, has been completed, officials announced Sunday. The bridge is expected to become a key transport link, boosting connectivity and regional development.
At a brief ceremony at the site, Project Director Engineer Inam-ul-Haq thanked Resident Engineer Idrees Khokhar for timely completion and praised the construction company and engineering teams for their dedication and professional expertise. He said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to modern infrastructure and public service.
The under-construction Mirpur-Islamgarh Rathooha-Haryam Bridge, abandoned for over 11 years, has now resumed progress with accelerated work by the AJK government, supported financially by the Government of Pakistan. The bridge connects Mirpur city to Islamgarh town, significantly reducing travel time for hundreds of thousands of passengers. Completion is targeted by mid-2026, which will also improve trade and emergency access in the region.
Initiated in 2011 as part of the Mangla Dam raising project, the bridge stalled in 2015 due to alleged mismanagement and corruption. About 80 percent of construction had been completed, but the 160-meter central span remained unfinished. After additional funds were approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) last year, work resumed on January 20, 2025.
The Frontier Works Organisation undertook the construction, erecting pillars in marshy terrain using German-made machinery, aided by lower water levels in the reservoir. The final 125-meter section was built under a balanced bridge system to withstand water fluctuations and flood rails.
Originally estimated at Rs. 1.3 billion, the cost has risen to over Rs. 9.00 billion. The government re-approved Rs. 5.5 billion to ensure early completion. Local residents have welcomed the development, saying the bridge will shorten journeys between Mirpur, Islamgarh, Chakswari, and surrounding towns, bridging communities and supporting commerce. Officials say it will also enhance tourism potential along the scenic lake-side route, making the region more accessible for visitors and businesses alike.