Emphasizes inter-departmental coordination, quality control, citizen participation for lasting development
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Reinforcing his commitment to equitable and sustainable development in Jammu North, MLA Sham Lal Sharma on Wednesday inaugurated the Macadamization work of the road from Muthi to Akalpur Chowk, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 29.62 lakh under the City and Town Works Plan for the year 2025-26. The work is being executed by the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, PWD Jammu.
The Muthi-Akalpur Chowk road is a vital route that connects the National Highway with several residential colonies, educational institutions, and market areas in Jammu North. The project fulfils a long-pending public demand, aimed at ensuring smoother, safer, and more durable road connectivity for thousands of residents and daily commuters.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sham Lal Sharma said that this macadamization work reflects the government’s continued focus on improving basic public infrastructure and addressing local priorities. “The Muthi-Akalpur Chowk stretch had long required proper macadamization. With this work, we are ensuring better connectivity, safety, and comfort for the people. Every such project is a step forward in making Jammu North stronger and more connected,” Sharma stated.
He further directed the R&B (PWD) Department to coordinate closely with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to ensure no water leakages exist before the road surface is laid.
“Before any road construction, the PHE Department must inspect the area for leakages or pipeline damage. All such issues should be addressed first so that after macadamization, the road remains intact and does not have to be dug up again. Proper inter-departmental coordination ensures quality, efficiency, and durability,” he emphasized.
Sharma also appealed to the public to become custodians of public property, highlighting the importance of citizen monitoring and cooperation in developmental works.
“People’s participation is essential for effective governance. When citizens actively monitor the projects in their areas, they help maintain accountability and transparency. The assets built for the people must be protected by the people,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma informed that several major road development projects are in the pipeline, and many link roads will soon be restored under different schemes.
“In the coming months, residents will witness a substantial improvement in road connectivity throughout Jammu North. More projects are being approved and executed to create a robust infrastructure network that supports growth and accessibility,” he stated.
Reiterating his focus on quality assurance and long-term sustainability, MLA Sharma instructed officials and engineers to maintain strict quality control at every stage of work.
“The quality of material, supervision, and execution must be of the highest standard. I have asked the officials to personally monitor the progress so that each road built under public funds lasts for years and serves its true purpose,” he asserted.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were former Councillors Suraj Padha, Kuldeep Singh, and Mohinder Kumar, Mandal President Pankaj Padha, Raman Sharma, Rajinder Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, BJP karyakartas, senior citizens, and local
residents.
