A strategically important 280 feet long historic bridge at Hussainiwala, which was blown up during 1971 Indo-Pak war, was dedicated to the nation on Sunday by Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The bridge having four spans connects Ferozpur with Hussainiwala barrage on Sutlej river on the old Ferozpur-Lahore highway. It is the only lifeline for nearly 10 villages connecting Hussainiwala enclave with the rest of the country.
After 1971 Indo-Pak war, a Bailey bridge was launched by Army to restore road communication. To replace the old bridge, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was entrusted with task of constructing a permanent bridge.
Speaking on the occasion, the Sitharaman said that the permanent bridge at Hussainiwala Barrage would help not only the Indian armed forces but the local population at large for their daily commuting.
She said that Hussainiwala is a historic and sacred place of our great Martyrs Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and many other war heroes and it was her honour and privilege to inaugurate this historic bridge which will lead to the development of Punjab region and people of Ferozpur. It will promote regional prosperity, business, agriculture and better movement of Army vehicles, ammunition and logistics.
Sitharaman appreciated the dedicated efforts made by the BRO towards completion of this bridge ahead of schedule and without causing any inconvenience to the locals.
She said BRO has been engaged in construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, tunnels and other defence infrastructure works in difficult remote border areas.
This bridge is one of the great examples that speak volumes about BRO’s contribution in Nation building. The defence minister later visited Hussainiwala Shaheed Smarak to pay homage to the Martyrs where she laid wreaths and also interacted with local Army Units and people.