Dulloo directs swift resolution of bottlenecks, time-bound completion
Srinagar : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Wednesday reviewed the progress of the Jammu & Kashmir Infrastructure and Connectivity Development Programme, encompassing a massive portfolio of National Highways, tunnels, flyovers, viaducts, bridges, ring roads and other strategic connectivity projects being executed across the Union Territory through BRO, NHAI, NHIDCL and the Public Works (R&B) Department.
The comprehensive review also covered a substantial pipeline of projects at DPR and in-principle stages, being prepared for sanction and inclusion in the upcoming work plans of the respective executing agencies under various Government of India programmes.
The meeting was attended by ACS, PWD; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/ Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners; Chief Engineer, Project Beacon/SAMPARK; Chief Engineers of PWD; Regional Officers of NHAI and NHIDCL; and senior officers and representatives of concerned departments and executing agencies.
The Chief Secretary held a comprehensive review of various highway and tunnel projects, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing connectivity within the region. He requested updates on the physical progress and expected completion dates of these projects, urging local administrations to work closely with executing agencies to address any obstacles swiftly. The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of identifying and resolving field-level issues proactively to adhere to project timelines, ensuring that the benefits of these significant investments reach the public promptly. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining existing road surfaces on highways under construction, directing agencies to ensure that routes remain safe and accessible for commuters. Immediate attention to damaged road surfaces was deemed essential to alleviate traffic congestion and public inconvenience. The Chief Secretary noted that the substantial investment in connectivity would lead to improved movement of people and goods, bolster tourism, and contribute to the sustainable development and economic upliftment of the region. Anil Kumar Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, provided an overview of the major connectivity projects being executed by various agencies, including BRO, NHAI, NHIDCL, and PWD. The current portfolio includes 87 projects valued at approximately ₹1,19,736 crore, with 44 projects worth ₹39,711 crore already underway. Additionally, 11 sanctioned projects worth ₹9,187 crore are pending commencement, while 32 projects at the DPR stage represent a significant future pipeline for connectivity expansion. The meeting reviewed the progress of key NHAI projects, such as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the Srinagar Ring Road, noting substantial physical progress in several packages. The Chief Secretary also examined the extensive Project Beacon and SAMPARK initiatives aimed at enhancing all-weather connectivity to remote areas. Major tunnel projects, including the Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna Tunnels, were discussed, with significant investments planned for their development. Furthermore, the Chief Secretary reviewed urban connectivity projects and noted the completion of road safety works along the PirPanjal stretch. He urged agencies to expedite the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and ensure timely completion of technical and statutory requirements for upcoming projects. The Chief Secretary called for ongoing collaboration among the UT administration, district authorities, and executing agencies to ensure efficient delivery of the connectivity transformation, focusing on timely completion, improved road conditions, and enhanced public safety.
