Sahoka Sutlej Bridge: A Lifeline for Regional Connectivity

Borewala: Residents of Wahari and Bahawalnagar districts have been facing hardship for a long time due to lack of direct land connectivity between their areas.

Decades of delay in the construction of the Sahoka-Sutlej Bridge has become a source of frustration for commuters, traders and farmers, who face high transport costs and long travel times. This important project remains the most popular demand as lack of connectivity hampers progress in various sectors.

Both Wahari and Bahawalnagar districts are important agricultural centers of southern Punjab, producing significant quantities of wheat, cotton and sugarcane. However, failure to efficiently transport produce across the Sutlej River is a constant challenge for farmers and traders. Rising transportation costs and logistics delays hurt local businesses and agricultural supply chains, putting them at a disadvantage compared to other regions.

A direct route through the Sahuka Sutlej Bridge can significantly reduce costs, boost economic activity and connect farmers and traders to larger markets. The daily life of common citizens is also affected due to lack of bridge. Essential services such as healthcare, education and government offices are out of reach for many, forcing residents to travel long distances. This inconvenience is particularly acute for students and patients, often leading to missed opportunities and delays in treatment.

Due to the non-fulfillment of the promises made by successive governments, the frustration of the people has increased. Both the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) governments announced plans for the Sahuka Sutlej Bridge during their tenure, but these remained confined to paper.

Despite repeated assurances, no practical steps have been taken to make the project a reality, leaving the residents of Wahari and Bahawalnagar disappointed. Public anger has also been fueled by the government’s prioritization of major projects such as motorways over infrastructure needs in rural areas. Initiatives such as the Kasur-Bahawalingar Motorway promise regional development, but without the Sahoka Sutlej Bridge, their benefits will remain inaccessible to the people of Wahari and Bahawalnagar. This neglect highlights the disparity in infrastructure investment between urban centers and rural South Punjab, where the voices of marginalized communities are often not heard.

The Sahoka Sutlej bridge demand has become a rallying point for local leaders, civil society organizations and residents. They say the project is not just about infrastructure – it represents the fundamental right to connectivity, economic growth and a better quality of life.

For the people of Wahari and Bahawalnagar, Sahoka Sutlej Bridge is a symbol of hope and progress. He urges Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to address this critical need and ensure that no community is left behind in the journey of national development. Immediate action on this long-standing demand will pave the way for a brighter future and reaffirm the government’s commitment to equitable development.