Amritsar’s Rigo Bridge still unbuilt after 3 yrs, Laxmikanta Chawla questions delay
Amritsar Residents Continue to Face Traffic Congestion and Commuting Difficulties
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), September 15, 2026: More than three years after the Rigo Bridge in Amritsar was demolished, reconstruction work has reportedly not even begun, leaving thousands of residents facing daily traffic congestion and serious commuting difficulties.
Raising the issue in a message addressed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, former Punjab minister Laxmikanta Chawla said the prolonged delay had caused considerable inconvenience to the people of Amritsar.
She said the Rigo Bridge was not merely a bridge but an important link connecting different parts of the city. Residents travelling from western Amritsar towards the city are being forced to take longer routes, while students, employees, traders and other commuters travelling towards the university and Khalsa College are also facing difficulties.
Chawla questioned why the bridge had not been reconstructed within a reasonable timeframe if its demolition was necessary for redevelopment. She also questioned why adequate alternative traffic arrangements were not put in place before the bridge was demolished if the reconstruction was expected to take several years.
According to Chawla, the resulting traffic congestion is wasting commuters' valuable time. Students are facing difficulties reaching colleges and universities on time, while working professionals are experiencing delays in reaching their workplaces. Business activity in the affected areas is also being impacted.
She further pointed out that traffic disruptions could create difficulties for ambulances and other emergency service vehicles, potentially affecting access to essential services.
Chawla said residents have the right to know the reasons behind the delay and sought clarity from the authorities on when the reconstruction of the Rigo Bridge would finally be completed.
She urged the Railway Ministry and concerned authorities to take immediate steps to address the issue and provide relief to residents of Amritsar.
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