Srinagar, September 17, 2025: In a significant boost to regional connectivity and community welfare, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Shri Manoj Sinha virtually inaugurated a Bailey Bridge on the Ramban-Gool Road today, coinciding with the commencement of the fortnight-long ‘Sewa Pakhwada’. This nationwide initiative, spanning September 17 to October 2, 2025, emphasizes selfless service, inclusivity, and public participation in developmental efforts across Jammu & Kashmir.The LG dedicated the bridge to the residents of Ramban, hailing it as a “symbol of hope and lifeline” for approximately 1.5 lakh people in Ramban, Sangaldan, Gool, and surrounding areas. He commended the bridge for enhancing connectivity, easing daily lives, and restoring access to essential services disrupted by recent natural calamities, including incessant rainfall that caused severe infrastructure damage, economic hardships, and route blockages on the vital Karol-Maitra stretch. Expressing profound gratitude to the Indian Army’s brave engineers, LG Sinha described the 150-feet-long, double-storey extra-wide Bailey Bridge as a “testament to the dedication, expertise, and unwavering service” of the armed forces. Constructed by engineer troops of the White Knight Corps in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and civil authorities under challenging conditions, the bridge ensures uninterrupted supply of essentials, medical aid, and emergency response, instilling renewed hope in the flood-affected region.
“The vital connectivity and aid provided by the Indian Army to affected communities has given new hope to this entire region,” LG Sinha stated, congratulating the Army and civil administration for their collaborative spirit. He added that the structure underscores the military’s steadfast support to the nation during crises, aligning seamlessly with the ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ ethos of community-centric service.The virtual inauguration was attended by key dignitaries, including Maj Gen APS Bal, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delta Force; Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the LG; Shri Mohammad Alyas Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ramban; Brig K Arun, Commander 11 Sector RR; Shri Shridhar Patil, DIG Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range; and senior officials from the Army, civil, and police administrations. This development marks a pivotal step in rehabilitation efforts following the recent disasters, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to resilient infrastructure and grassroots empowerment under ‘Sewa Pakhwada’. The campaign will feature a series of activities promoting environmental conservation, health awareness, and social welfare, inviting active public involvement for a stronger Jammu & Kashmir.
