Last Updated on November 16, 2021 at 9:00 pm
The Chief Secretary today held a meeting to review the progress of major road projects under Prime Minister’s Development Package.
Administrative Secretaries of Power Development, Public works (R&B), Mining, Forest, Planning, Development & Monitoring, Revenue, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners, besides senior officers from the executing agencies including Regional Officer, NHAI, Executive Director (P) NHIDCL, Chief Engineer Project Sampark and Chief Engineer, BEACON attended the meeting.
Giving details, Administrative Secretary informed that the Semi Ring Road Jammu project is going on smoothly and the Mining department has resolved the issues regarding accord of STPs to the executing agency.
It was further informed while NHAI needs another STP, the issue of imposition of penalty on the contractor for use of minor minerals illegally is under consideration of the committee constituted by the Mining department and is expected to be resolved shortly.
The CS directed the Mining department to provide the requisite STP to NHAI and address the issue of imposition of penalty on contractor within a week.
It was informed that crash barriers have been erected on 14.5 km road stretch on Ramban Banihal road and 6 cranes have been given to DistrictAdministration,Ramban for efficiently managing disruptionson the highway due to accidents, vehicular failure leading to traffic snarl ups.
RO,NHAI informed that crash barriers at Digdoleroad may be replaced with parapets in view of the inability of the crash barriers to withstand frequent hits from the vehicles, thereby, increasing the risks of accidents.
He further informed that viaducts have been proposed at the locations vulnerable to landslides.
The Chief Secretary directed NHAI to urgently complete the maintenance works in Ramban-Banihal section, including errection of Parapets at the vulnerable places.
Dr Mehta directed NHAI to ensure that highway remains open through the winters while further adding that 8 washrooms/toilet blocks should be constructed along the highway by November 15th.
He also directed that wayside amenities should be developed all along the highway and made available to the commuters; making commuting a pleasurable experience for the travellers on the highway.
The Chief Secretary also directed NHAI to put in signages along the roadway informing the commuters about the approaching/ nearby toilet blocks.
