Summary:
FEROZEPUR: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday inaugurated a strategically-important, 280-foot-long bridge at Hussainiwala which had been blown up to stop Pakistan's advance during the 1971 war.The bridge is on the Old Ferozepur-Lahore Highway and goes over the Satluj. At the inauguration, Sitharama dedicated the structure to the nation.She said the permanent bridge at Hussainiwala Barrage would not only help Indian armed forces, but the local populace too. It has four spans and connects Ferozepur to Hussainiwala Barrage. She described Hussainiwala as a historic and sacred place of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and many other war heroes.Sitharama said it was her honour and privilege to inaugurate this historic bridge, and it would bring in development for Punjab and the people of Ferozepur. "It will promote regional prosperity, business, agriculture and better movement of Army vehicles, ammunition and logistics," she said.The defence minister arrived at Ferozepur in the morning, and was accompanied by Wester Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen Surinder Singh and BRO director general Lt Gen Harpal Singh ..