SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday directed the relevant parties to intensify their checks at Toll Plazas and not allow any unsuitable or overloaded vehicles to travel on the main national highway as they break down on the way, causing significant inconvenience to others.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, PWD; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Deputy Commissioner Jammu/Udhampur/Ramban; Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir/Jammu besides other concerned officials.
Dr Mehta took note of the reports of traffic jams on the highway for the past few days and enquired about its status from the concerned Deputy Commissioners. He urged them to ensure that the carriageway of the Highway is not used for parking or as a truck holding area anywhere.
He asked for only allowing vehicles that are carrying the specified loads on the highway so that there are fewer disruptions on the highway due to vehicle breakdowns or very slow speeds. He also called for reports on each breakdown incident to understand the actual reasons behind them. He also asked for the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling these breakdown events on the highway.
The Chief Secretary asked for measures to improve the width of the road surface near Nachlana and Dalwas areas. He also emphasised carrying out protective works such as installing crash barriers and parapets on critical stretches of the highway. He directed the highway authorities to regularly clear the debris accumulating on the sides of the road to increase its carriageway.
Dr Mehta stressed that travellers should have the assurance that any delays would not exceed more than an hour under any circumstances. He made it clear that a few kilometres of poor road conditions should not be an excuse for inadequate traffic management. He directed for an increase in staff to manage traffic on critical stretches, especially in Ramban District in consultation with the District Administration.
The Chief Secretary stated that measures to improve the traffic situation should include the use of Mughal Road to alleviate the volume of traffic on NH-44. It was also mentioned that at least 4 truck holding areas on the national highway are being designated, in addition to expediting the completion of bridges, tunnels, and viaducts to ensure comfortable and pleasant travel on this road in the months ahead.
