- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
With the Yamuna River’s water level receding, residents of coastal villages are preparing for the reinstallation of pontoon bridges to facilitate cross-river transportation. The Public Works Department (PWD) has announced plans to install bridges at two locations.
One bridge will be built near Bhaskaula-Mahavatpur village, Faridabad, where a pontoon bridge constructed last year had significantly eased commuting for villagers. With around 2,500 bighas of land across the river, villagers previously relied on boats for daily activities such as sowing crops.
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During harvest season, tractors had to travel 40 kilometres via Kalindi Kunj, taking around two and a half hours and consuming large amounts of diesel. The bridge, approved by State Minister Rajesh Nagar, had reduced the crossing time to just 10-15 minutes.
Another pontoon bridge will be installed near Shahjahanpur village, benefiting farmers from Shahjahanpur, Arua, Sahupura, and Chandpur, who own land across the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. After the removal of the previous bridge, farmers faced significant difficulties reaching their fields. The bridge will remain in use until June 15, as pontoon bridges are traditionally installed annually after October 15 to assist farmers in transporting Kharif paddy and sowing Rabi crops.
The bridges are removed after June 15 due to rising water levels caused by rainfall in Haryana districts and occasional water releases from the Okhla Barrage, which pose a risk to the pontoon capsules.
Prakash Lal, Executive Engineer of PWD, stated, “Preparations are underway to build the pontoon bridge. We have discussed the work with the contractor. First, we will check the river’s water level. If it is too high, we may have to wait a few days.”
The reinstallation of these pontoon bridges is expected to provide significant relief to farmers and villagers, reducing travel time and improving access to their fields.