LG Manoj Sinha Fulfills Decades-Old Demand with Construction of Manigam Wayil “Selfie Bridge”

Sabir Ayoub

GANDERBAL, AUGUST 13:
In a landmark development for the people of Ganderbal, the much-awaited Wayil–Manigam bridge—popularly known as the “Selfie Bridge”—has finally become a reality, thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration and funding from the World Bank. This achievement marks the fulfillment of a decades-old demand by hundreds of villages situated along the Sindh River.

The bridge, strategically located on the vital route connecting Ganderbal with the Union Territory of Ladakh and the holy Amarnath cave shrine, holds immense significance for both residents and pilgrims. For years, the absence of a proper bridge at this spot created transportation bottlenecks, forcing locals to depend on long detours and unsafe alternatives.

Constructed under what many residents proudly describe as “the best regime in decades”—the tenure of LG Manoj Sinha—the project stands as a shining example of responsive governance and timely execution. In the middle of this success story is renowned and widely respected contractor Mr. Muzaffar Shawal, praised as one of the best contractors in the region, whose dedication and expertise ensured that the project met high-quality standards and was completed efficiently.

Local residents have hailed the construction as a “dream come true,” praising the LG administration for prioritizing the project. Community elders recall that repeated pleas to successive governments had gone unanswered, making this achievement all the more significant. “LG Manoj Sinha has done what others could not—he has delivered,” remarked one resident, adding that the bridge would also serve as a boost for tourism, given its scenic backdrop and strategic location.

The Wayil–Manigam bridge, funded through the World Bank’s infrastructure development initiatives, is expected to enhance connectivity for thousands of Amarnath pilgrims who travel through the region every year. Its completion underscores the administration’s focus on improving road and bridge infrastructure to meet the demands of modern transport and economic growth.

As the bridge opens for public use, it stands not just as a physical structure over the Sindh River, but as a testament to the power of persistence, skilled execution, and the positive change possible under the best leadership and teamwork.