NEW DELHI: Calling the need to prioritise the upkeep of Jammu-Srinagar Highway, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed asked Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to keep the only all-weather surface link open by putting a proper maintenance management plan in place.
This was stressed while Lt. Gen. R. M Mittal, Director General, Border Roads Organization (BRO), called on the Chief Minister here on Monday.
During his meeting, Mufti highlighted the issue relating to the maintenance of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which is presently in a critical condition and desired BRO to carry out urgent repairs on NH 1-A to make it roadworthy, in view of the coming tourist season.
Mufti Sayeed said that since four-laning of the National Highway is going to take some time, BRO should maintain the Highway till its widening from Jammu to Srinagar is completed. He specifically referred to the stretch from Ramban to Banihal which leads to closure for several days together, affecting movement of people and essential supplies to the Kashmir Valley.
Appreciating the role of BRO in maintaining the roads in the State in extremely hostile weather conditions, Mufti Sayeed made specific mention of repair of Thanamandi-Buffliaz stretch, which connects Poonch district of Jammu with Shopian in Kashmir Valley through the Mughal Road. He said the improvement of this stretch will provide a viable alternate road link between Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Mufti also raised the issue of prioritizing regular maintenance of Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag, Bandipore -Gurez, Sopore Bypass, Jammu-Poonch, Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah, Doda-Bhaderwah, Reasi-Mahore, Rajouri-Kandi-Budhal, Pouni-Kalakote-Rajouri, Surankote-Buffliaz, Loran-Basam Gali-Tangmarg, Dhar-Mahanpur and Old Samba-Kathua roads, which fall within the domain of BRO.
While assuring the Chief Minister about the proper maintenance of National Highways and other important roads under their control, DG BRO said he will personally visit the State this month to prioritise the issues flagged in the meeting. He said manpower for maintenance of roads has been supplemented by 40 per cent in J and K so that frequent closure at treacherous spots along the National Highway is avoided in future. Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B.B Vyas, Comm / Secy, Public Works, Rohit Kansal, DDG BRO, R.K Sharma and Chief Engineers PWD of J&K divisions attended the meeting.