Associated News Bureau

Omar Abdullah Inaugurates, Launches Rs 25-Crore Development Projects in Beerwah Sukhnag Bridge Opened to Public; Power Infrastructure, Civic Amenities and Tourism to Receive Major Boost

BEERWAH (BUDGAM), OCTOBER 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹25 crore in Beerwah, Budgam, aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening power infrastructure, upgrading civic amenities and enhancing the area’s tourism potential. The Chief Minister inaugurated a two-span truss girder bridge over Nallah Sukhnag, constructed at a cost of ₹8 crore. Each span of the bridge measures 35 metres. He also laid the foundation stones for the beautification of Nallah Sukhnag, including the development of walkways and installation of lighting, and the beautification of Beerwah town, with an estimated expenditure of ₹6.33 crore. Describing the bridge as a long-pending demand of the local population, Omar Abdullah said its completion and opening to the public would significantly improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of residents. He said the proposed riverfront beautification project, featuring a walking track and decks, would enhance public spaces and make the area more attractive for visitors. Major Push to Power Infrastructure The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a Transformer Repairing Workshop at Beerwah, approved at a cost of ₹4.85 crore under the UT Capex Budget 2026–27. The facility is envisaged as a dedicated centre for repairing and rebuilding damaged distribution transformers, thereby reducing repair and replacement time and improving the reliability of electricity supply. Once operational, the workshop is expected to restore around 1,000 damaged distribution transformers annually, helping reduce power outages and provide relief to consumers, particularly during the winter months. Another major initiative is the construction of a 10 MVA Receiving Station at Sail, Beerwah, approved at a cost of ₹4.50 crore. The project is expected to ease the load on neighbouring receiving stations, address winter overloading, improve voltage levels in Sail and adjoining villages, and reduce unscheduled power cuts and technical losses. Speaking about the power infrastructure initiatives, the Chief Minister said the receiving station was expected to become operational within four to five months. He also underscored the importance of establishing a local transformer repair facility to address the difficulties faced by residents during winter. “God willing, we will complete the workshop as soon as possible,” he said. Improved Access to Public Services The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Sub-Divisional Office building at Sonpah, Beerwah, approved at a cost of ₹82.29 lakh under the UT Capex Budget 2026–27. The proposed building will provide dedicated administrative space, streamline official functioning and improve access to public services. Work on the project has recently commenced. The infrastructure initiatives are aimed at strengthening essential services, improving local infrastructure and creating better civic amenities for residents of Beerwah and adjoining areas. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Beerwah Dr Shafi Ahmed Wani, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwini Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Jatin Kishore and other senior officers. ANB