Div Com Kmr reviews progress of national highway projects

Srinagar, Aug 28: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, convened a meeting on Thursday to review the progress of National Highway projects being carried out by agencies including NHAI, NHIDCL, BEACON, SAMPARK, and R&B.The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, officials from BEACON, SAMPARK, and R&B; ED NHIDCL; representatives from NHAI and MORTH; ACR Central; and other relevant officers.During the session, the Div Com assessed the current status of ongoing works, challenges, and issues related to NH1 Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri, NH 701 RD RKCTC, and the rehabilitation of Jawahar Tunnel. He reviewed progress on NH 701A Narbal Surankote, NH 501 Khanbal-Baltal, the current status of MoRTH projects, the Zojila Tunnel, NH 444 alignment concerns, mining permission issues, and land acquisition disbursements.He emphasised the importance of strict adherence to project timelines, including obtaining necessary approvals from relevant authorities and initiating work promptly. Garg directed Deputy Commissioners to resolve impediments such as utility relocations and security installations along project alignments.The Div Com instructed the Director of Geology & Mining to identify mining blocks and facilitate permissions for clay and boulders needed for construction activities. Representatives from BRO, NHIDCL, NHAI, and PWD shared updates on the progress of their respective major projects.The Div Com urged all executing agencies to actively pursue permission cases and other procedural matters without delay, stressing the importance of avoiding unnecessary time lags.He directed the reallocation of state funds from districts that have received surplus funds under the ring road projects to districts like Budgam and Baramulla that require additional support.