J&K government calls bridge damage ‘act of God’; skips probe despite rising repair bill

SRINAGAR: J&K govt described the damage to a Rs 67-crore bridge on the Tawi river in Jammu as “minor” and refused a probe, attributing last year’s rain-triggered cave-in to an “act of god”. The government also pegged repair spending at over Rs 38 crore, sparking criticism that it was trying to shield the builders.

Replying to BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma, deputy CM Surinder Choudhary said Thursday that the damage was caused by natural calamities constituting a force majeure event and no action against executing agencies was warranted.

Construction of the bridge began in 2011, was completed in 30 months and inaugurated on May 26, 2013. Work was executed by J&K Project Construction Corporation Ltd through a private firm.

Choudhary said the main structure has not suffered damage since completion, but “approach road and associated protection work” were hit during the 2014 floods and again in 2025. Vehicles were trapped when a portion collapsed during heavy rainfall last year.

Government detailed the restoration outlay: Rs 3.89 crore spent on the left approach after the 2014 floods, with Rs 13.15 crore more by JKPCC, including on it. After the 2025 damage, Rs 1.69 crore went into temporary restoration, and Rs 19.75 crore has been approved for permanent work now underway.

Sharma contested the government’s position, alleging repeated damage implied lapses. “It is not an act of god. The bridge collapsed twice. The government is trying to save the executing agency. In the next year, repair costs will exceed the original cost, and still they call it an act of god,” he said.
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