MUZAFFARABAD, Feb 26: The deputy commissioner here clamped a ban on the heavy traffic including loaded trucks to passing through the old Kohala Bridge in view of its vulnerability.

He imposed the ban under section 144 on the suggestion of Public Works Department, according to a handout issued here on Saturday.

It may be mentioned that early this month a portion of the Muzaffarabad-Rawalpindi highway between the old and new Kohala bridges was completely washed away in the recent heavy rains. Resultantly, the traffic to and from Muzaffarabad is passing through the old bridge on the River Jhelum, which was virtually discarded.

Interestingly, the vehicles plying between Muzaffarabad and the adjoining districts of Bagh, Rawalakot and Sudhnoti have to cross the river initially through the old bridge and then return to the AJK territory from the new bridge located some 800 yards ahead.

Long queues of vehicles on both the sides of the old bridge, waiting for their turn to go across, are a daily scene, much to the chagrin of the passengers.

The public transport vehicles have also been directed not to cross the bridge with passengers on board.—Staff Correspondent