Jammu, Nov 20: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of major highway and road development projects being executed across Jammu & Kashmir by Project Beacon, Project Sampark, NHAI, NHIDCL, and the Public Works (R&B) Department.
The Chief Secretary took a project-wise and package-wise assessment of progress on all major highways under execution across the UT. He sought detailed timelines for completion and enquired about bottlenecks faced by the executing agencies.
He directed that permissions for extraction of construction material must be strictly ensured and used only for the designated projects. Deputy Commissioners were instructed to expedite compensation cases and ensure timely disbursement to facilitate immediate handover of land to executing agencies for simultaneous work on all project packages. He also called for prompt grant of forest clearances wherever required.
Both Divisional Commissioners were asked to regularly engage with the implementing agencies to resolve issues without delay and maintain the momentum of work. The Chief Secretary emphasised that while the administration would facilitate all necessary support, the agencies must adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines.
The Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on expediting works along NH-44, including Tunnel projects. He reviewed the progress of Nashri–Chenani road via Patnitop, Marog–Digdol Tunnel, Digdol to Khuni Nallah Tunnel, Makarkot to Sherbibi Tunnel, Black topping of Banihal to Ramban stretch before December end was specially being emphasis upon. The Divisional Commissioner Jammu was directed to monitor these works closely and furnish regular progress reports.
The Chief Secretary assessed multiple NHIDCL projects including Highway works on Jammu–Akhnoor Road, Improvement of riding surface from Bhagwati Chowk to Canal Head (Jammu), Chenani–Sudhmahadev Road, Goha–Khellani Road, Khellani–Khanabal stretch, Zojila Tunnel and revised DPRs under consideration.
The Chief Secretary reiterated that all these projects are vital for improving mobility, economic growth, and regional connectivity across Jammu & Kashmir. He directed all departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure timely completion of every package and removal of all impediments at the earliest.
