SHANGLA: A crucial jeepable bridge located in Shahpur, Tehsil Kana, Shangla District, has sustained severe damage, cutting off vehicular traffic and even pedestrian access for hundreds of residents. This bridge connects several remote villages to the scenic tourist destination of Kapar Banda.
The bridge, which links Shahpur to picturesque and underserved areas such as Lalazar, Bulande, Shipnai, Kozhal, Berhal, Ambela, Chichlo, and Kundau, has been in a state of deterioration for over a decade. Residents report that the situation has worsened in recent weeks due to a partial collapse of the structure during heavy rains, which has effectively halted transportation and left locals stranded.
“This bridge is our lifeline. Now we can’t even send our children to school,” said Jahan Afsar Chacha, a long-time resident of Shahpur. “Even walking across it is dangerous. What will happen if someone falls? Who is responsible?”
The road and bridge construction project, initially launched years ago with promises of regional development and improved tourism access, has seen no significant progress. According to locals, the contractor abandoned the project midway, and neither the district administration nor the provincial government has intervened to resume or complete the work.
Abrar Khan, a university student who commutes from Kozhal, expressed frustration: “We are completely cut off. I can’t attend my classes regularly anymore. Some people are forced to hike for hours just to reach the main road.”
The inaccessibility is affecting not just students, but also daily wage workers and public servants who rely on this route to reach their jobs in other parts of the district.
Sohail Rauf, a local teacher, voiced his concerns: “School attendance has dropped significantly. Both teachers and students are being adversely affected. We are being pushed back into isolation.”
The affected villages are known for their natural beauty, often attracting domestic tourists to the serene meadows of Kapar Banda. However, the damaged bridge has halted tourism in the area.
Mohibullah, a small guesthouse owner, lamented the loss of business: “Tourism was just starting to pick up here. Now even locals can’t cross safely, let alone visitors.”
Resident Bakht Taj added, “In emergencies, there’s no way to transport patients to hospitals. We can only pray that nothing bad happens.”
Local elder Janan criticised the neglect as “criminal,” demanding immediate action from authorities: “This is not just an inconvenience; it’s risking lives. After ten years of promises, this bridge still stands on broken wood and broken hopes.”
Meanwhile, Fazal Raziq, a local social worker, urged the provincial government to prioritize reconstruction: “We don’t want speeches or visits. We want the road and bridge rebuilt immediately.”
Despite repeated appeals, no official statement has been issued by the district administration regarding plans to repair the bridge or resume the halted construction project.
Until then, hundreds of families in Shahpur, Kapar Banda, and neighboring areas remain isolated, cut off from education, work, healthcare, and opportunities.
