SRINAGAR: Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, the Chief Secretary, during his assessment of the various highways being developed as part of the Prime Minister’s Development Program (PMDP) on Friday, commented that the traffic authorities should make preparations well in advance of the fruit season to guarantee the smooth flow of trucks on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, especially those transporting perishable fruit consignments.
Attending the meeting alongside the Principal Secretary of PWD were representatives from NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, and other relevant officers.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary emphasised that the implementing agencies must conclude all these road projects that provide interconnectivity to different regions within the set timeframe. He highlighted the significance of these roads, considering the hilly terrain of the UT, which leaves very few alternative routes to connect different parts.
He instructed the concerned authorities to strictly adhere to the schedule for completing these road projects. He emphasised that these projects significantly contribute to the economic development of various areas. The officers, including the Deputy Commissioners, were advised to take a keen interest in ensuring their timely completion.
Concerning the Jammu Ring Road project, he urged the relevant Divisional Administration to take early steps in opening the completed portion of the road from Raya Morh (Samba) to Nagrota (Jammu) to the public. He also requested them to promptly renovate the significant Tarnah Bridge in Kathua.
For the Ring Road Srinagar, the Chief Secretary directed the authorities to ensure that the 20 km stretch under phase-I is accessible to the public by November this year. He instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama and Budgam to consider the Ribbon development of this road in their areas to stimulate economic activities optimally.
Regarding the Jammu-Akhnoor Road, the Chief Secretary insisted on its comprehensive completion and subsequent opening for public use. He indicated that this road would play a pivotal role in putting this circuit on the tourism map of J&K, thereby increasing footfall to this region.
Reviewing the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Dr Mehta underscored the importance of timely completion of all tunnels, particularly T3, T5, and other viaducts. He acknowledged the reduction in travel time along this route but stressed the need for increased reliability for the remaining projects between the Ramban-Banihal stretch.
The Chief Secretary evaluated the progress of the four-laning of Ramban flyover and the completion of Banihal Bypass. He also assessed the under-construction bridge at Qazigund, Railway Over-Bridge at Anantnag, and Lasjan flyover. He set deadlines for the completion of each of these road projects, insisting that these deadlines should not be exceeded.
In relation to the Delhi-Katra Expressway, the Chief Secretary urged the continuation of work momentum while adhering to the predetermined timelines for various sub-projects. He stressed the national importance of this road project, as it leads to the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, visited by millions of pilgrims annually. He urged prioritising the work on this prestigious project for its earliest completion.
Mehta also highlighted the significance of the Uri-Poonch Highway, urging its prompt initiation to provide an alternate route between the two divisions of the UT, offering relief to the people.
The Chief Secretary also acknowledged the progress made on the Srinagar-Pulwama-Shopian-Kulgam Highway (NH-444). He emphasised the need to complete the bypasses for the towns of Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama before the onset of winter. This highway will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity to Srinagar from these districts. He also reviewed the progress on the execution of the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Highway, Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani, Akhnoor-Poonch, Singhpora-Vailoo, and Chatroo-Khanabal Highways, and insisted on their early completion.
Mehta enquired about the obstacles affecting the pace of work from the implementing agencies. He directed the relevant government departments to address these bottlenecks. He stressed the importance of coordination between the implementing agencies and government departments, encouraging regular discussions to promptly resolve issues.
During the event, the Chief Secretary instructed the Divisional Administration Kashmir to ensure minimal disruptions on the valley’s highways during convoy movements. (KNO)
