Centre approves 1200 Cr for upgradation of state roads

JAMMU: The centre has approved Rs 1200 crore for the up-gradation of major routes across Jammu and Kashmir, besides announcing a Skill Development programme in the State, focussing on capacity building among the youth in the construction of the tunnels, thus affirming that the major construction works in the state would be handed over to the locals, as it has asked the state government for involving maximum local stakeholders for the four-lane process of Shopian-Qazigund-Srinagar and Kargil and Zanskar highways.
This came to the fore as Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhter on Wednesday called on Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari, and discussed the proposed developmental projects for Jammu and Kashmir.
During an hour-long meeting at his office here, Akhter briefed the Union Minister about various developmental programmes and initiatives taken by the current government across the State. Akhter also gave a detailed presentation of the road communication projects under execution in the State. He also sought cooperation and help from the Union Minster on uplifting various developmental programmes, which include the construction of new roads and up-gradation of other developmental works.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Public Works and Transport, Sunil Sharma, Member Parliament, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, senior officers of the central department, NHAI and officers of the Jammu and Kashmir.
The Union Minister approved Rs 1200 crore for the up-gradation of major routes across Jammu and Kashmir, assuring that all the possible help would be provided to the State for completing road projects.
Gadkari also announced a Skill Development programme in the State, which he said would focus on capacity building among the youth in the construction of the tunnels. He said that nearly a dozen of tunnels have been approved across the State so far, which would need highly skilled youth for construction. The Union Minister also assured that the major construction works would be handed over to the locals for participating in the mega developmental activities which include tunnels like Zojila, Highways, ring road for Srinagar and Jammu cities. He also asked the Minister to involve maximum local stakeholders for the four-lane process of Shopian-Qazigund-Srinagar and Kargil and Zanskar highways.
The Union Minister responded positively to the State request for reviewing of the construction of national highways stretch between Banihal and Ramban to make it an all-weather road for the State. Gadkari also asked the Ministers to submit a proposal on the flood control measures in the State, especially in Kashmir region. He further stressed on creating viable environment for the in-land water transportation across the region. The Union Minister asked the State to work for the promotion and viable marketability of the handicraft and dry-fruit products of the State for which he suggested setting up of dry port.
The Minister of State for Public Works Sunil Kumar Sharma said that the State Government has submitted a proposal for Rs 13 crore regarding restoration of the road between Batote and Kishtwar, which is witnessing frequent accidents.