Punjab villagers demand construction of bridge over Sutlej River

Muthianwala (Punjab), Mar 18: Residents of Muthianwala village in the India-Pakistan border area in Punjab are waiting for the construction of a bridge over the Sutlej River, which separates their Tarn Taran district from neighbouring Ferozepur district.

Currently, the villagers have to be ferried across the River Sutlej as the road links between two areas are lengthy so much so that the river crossing, risky as it is, takes 100 km off the journey.

They are now demanding the construction of a bridge across the Sutlej, which they claim would save them time, money and effort.

"When we go to study it takes too much time. There should be proper roads and a bridge here so that travel becomes easier for us when we cross the river and there is too much water we feel unsafe while cross it. Bridge is a must and there should be roads on both the river transportation will become easier and we will be able to do our work quickly," said Mahavir Singh, a local.

Rughubir Singh, the head of Muthianwala, echoed the demand for the construction of a bridge connecting the two districts.

"We demand that in order to save time and make the travel easier we want a bridge here instead of the boats, which we are currently using," said Singh.

The villagers have been making persistent demands for the construction of a bridge since 1947, but to no avail.