JTFRP starts work on the Upgradation of Anji-Panasa – Devi Mai to Ohli Mandir Integrated Road Package

Jammu: Further expanding the scope of the developmental activities and with a purpose to restore the economic activity in the remote parts of the Jammu Division JTFRP has started work on one more significant road upgradation project in Jammu.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer JKERA/JTFRP Saturday conducted an extensive tour of Reasi District for the identification of the locations were work can be started on the road up gradation of Anji-Panasa- Devi Mai- Ohli Mandir road in the Reasi District .
Dr. Syed Abid during the site inspection of Devi Mai- Ohli Mandir road stretch which forms the part of pilgrimage –tourism circuit gave on spot instructions for the construction of public conveniences at various picturesque view points where pilgrims /tourists take stop over for enjoying the scenic natural beauty and visiting various temples enroute namely, Deva Mai Mandir, Ohli Mandir , Kol- Kandoli Mandir and the road was traditionally being used by the pilgrims for visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine. The upgradtion of the road will provide the pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from Akhnoor and Poonch Districts with a shorter alternative route and thus give a major boost for the creation of additional livelihood opportunities for local people in tourism and travel sector.
Anji-Panasa road stretch of the road passes through the villages Seela, Panasa, Dassanu, Pabbar, etc were residents are primarily associated with the agriculture and allied economic activities like cultivation of Rice, Maize and vegetables and the upgradation of the road will provide them with an improved access to markets for faster marketing of their perishable agricultural produce in the nearby markets.
CEO,JKERA/JTFRP was informed by Tarsem Lal, Project Manager, Transport, JKERA,Jammu that the work on the integrated road package in Reasi District is estimated to cost Rs 16.04 crores and the upgradation of the road would involve further strengthening of the road surface by laying of flexible pavement which will comprise the 04 layers of 50 mm Bituminous Concrete, 50 mm Dense Bituminous Macadam, 150 mm Wet Mix Macadam and Granular sub-base (G-II) 150 mm. He said other components of the road upgradation include construction of (41) no. pipe culverts , (05) no Box culverts 2015 metres of retaining wall, 2789 meters of breast wall, 7169 meters of lined drain, 800 meters of crash barriers.
Dr.Abid directed the engineers and contractors to ensure that the work be completed well within the stipulated timeline of 15 months to prevent cost overruns on the project and also directed that all the environmental and resettlement issues be taken due care of while executing work on the project and reiterated his instructions for adhering to SOPs like social distancing and health and hygiene measures for prevention against the COVID-19 Pandemic.
JTFRP funded by the World Bank is spending Rs 166 crores on the construction of various road and bridges in Jammu region.