Srinagar

Minister for Public works, Naeem Akhtar Wednesday said that North Kashmir is set for a massive change in connectivity aspect with the infusion of around Rs 1100 crore on upgradation, widening and macadamisation of roads under various plans.

According to spokesman, Akhtar said that with the massive investment, North Kashmir has been put on a path of equitable development as was promised by the government. He was speaking to various delegations of people and officers during an extensive tour of Bandipora and Baramulla districts.

R&B Minister Naeem Akhtar during his tour to North Kashmir (Image: DIPR)

Akhtar said that it is for the first time, works on such a scale have been undertaken in North Kashmir districts. “There are two components in our development plan for these districts. First we want an overall development of the three districts of north Kashmir that have been left out of march towards progress due to various reasons and second focus is on the under-served areas like border areas in these districts,” he said. “Within a span of two years entire face of the North Kashmir will be transformed.”

He said that under PMGSY alone various road projects worth Rs 476 crore are being executed and more road projects are being accomplished by R&B Department. The Minister said that the vital Srinagar-Bandipora road will be completed by next year and first phase of road strengthening, building of drain and tress walls are in final stages. He said that road will start right from Sonarwani and macadamisation of some portion will start right in the current year.

During a meeting with officials at Bandipora, Akhtar, spokesman said  also took stock of protection works going on Bonar and Madhumati streams under NHPC project worth Rs 134 crore. He called upon the officials to expedite the work and simultaneously take up beautification and landscaping work. The two streams are expected to cater to huge volume of water after the commissioning of Kishenganga Hydel Power Project in the coming months.

He also also inspected the work on District hospital and Maternity hospital being built in the district. He was informed that 90 percent work on the district hospital has been completed and the hospital will be commissioned by the end of this year.

While addressing people at Sopore, Akhtar said that biggest change will happen in North Kashmir with the four laning of Srinagar-Baramulla highway from Narbal onwards. He said that the project has already been approved by the Centre and DPR is being prepared for the project after which the work will start immediately.

He said that from Baramulla to Uri the four laning will be undertaken in the second phase. He said that another alternative road is being constructed on the other side of the Jhelum upto Uri, which will further connect dozens of villages.

The Minister was accompanied by DC Bandipora, Chief Engineer R&B and PMGSY, and other officials.

 

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