CCI delegation meets Gadkari, highlights concerns on Katra-Delhi Expressway design

New Delhi, Jan 04: A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) Jammu, led by President Arun Gupta, met with Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi.
Other delegation members included Anil Gupta, Senior Vice President CCI, Rajeev Gupta, Junior Vice President CCI, Manish Gupta, Secretary General CCI, and Rajesh Gupta, Secretary CCI, the Chamber said in a statement.
The CCI said the delegation apprised the minister of concerns regarding the proposed construction designs of the Katra-Delhi expressway, specifically highlighting issues related to the Kunjwani to Narwal section and Kunjwani to Satwari section. A memorandum outlining these concerns was submitted during the meeting.
In the interaction, Arun Gupta acknowledged the unprecedented development underway in Jammu & Kashmir and emphasized the transformative impact of massive infrastructure projects. However, he expressed certain reservations and recommendations related to ongoing infrastructure development projects, particularly the Katra-Delhi Expressway.
Gupta drew attention to the proposed construction design of the expressway flyover between Kunjwani to Narwal, raising concerns about the implementation of blind walls. While recognizing the importance of infrastructure development, he expressed apprehensions that blind walls may disrupt essential connections between shops, businesses, and residences.
The delegation questioned the adherence to outdated patterns and suggested that a pillar-based design would be more community-friendly and suitable for the Kunjwani to Narwal section.
The CCI delegation also brought up the issue of livelihoods at risk with the proposed flyover from Kunjwani to Satwari section. “Approximately 65 shopkeepers, who have been running their establishments for over six decades, face the threat of losing their livelihoods due to the proposed flyover design,” the members said.
The Chamber urged the minister to consider a slight shift in the flyover by 1.5 meters to save the livelihoods of at least 45 shopkeepers, emphasizing the economic stability these businesses provide to the local community.
In response, Nitin Gadkari assured the delegation that he would personally look into the issues and find solutions, according to the CCI statement. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the general public is not harassed during developmental projects.
The delegation expressed gratitude for the minister’s attention to their concerns and hoped for a positive resolution to preserve the interests of the local community and businesses.