Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary today chaired a meeting and held a detailed review of restoration of road infrastructure including National Highways and critical roads of Jammu & Kashmir damaged due to recent floods.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary PW(R&B), Chief Engineers of all wings of PWD, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, RO NHAI, Chief Engineer BEACON, Chief Engineer SAMPARK Project Direct NHIDCL and other concerned officers.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary PWD gave a power presentation about the overall road infrastructure maintained by various agencies. It was informed that out of total road length of 42000Kms, around 12000Kms have suffered damages due to recent floods/ flash floods.
The Deputy Chief Minister was apprised that the department has put in place men and machinery on war footing for temporary restoration of the road connectivity.
The RO NHAI informed that NH44 has suffered major damages in Udhampur- Ramban stretch which will be restored by today evening while on the Dhar- Udhampur stretch, the traffic will be through for one way movement by tomorrow. The RO also apprised that out of total 105 Bridges at NH44, 03 bridges were damaged which have been restored.
Taking serious note on the damage caused to Seri-Kath Bridge at Kathua, the Deputy Chief Minister asked NHAI authorities the reason for Seri-Kath bridge collapse in the recent floods despite having been constructed only few years back. He directed the NHAI to conduct the design/ structural audit of the all bridges constructed by the agency.
The Deputy CM directed the department to coordinate with the other agencies for immediate restoration of the damaged infrastructure as early as possible.
The Chief Engineer SAMPARK Jammu apprised the Chair that Rajouri- Thannamandi Road Surankote Road, Reasi- Arnas -Mahore, Rajouri- Kandi -Budhal, Pouni -Sair Rajouri, Beeri-Pethan and Jhulas and Akhnoor Poonch have been restored where as the work at the Budhal- Mahore – Gul Road is blocked and will be restored within a week’s time
The status of Kishtwar- Chastoi, Doda -Kishtwar, and Kishtwar- Sintan Roads were also reviewed and the concerned Engineers of PWD and Project Director NHIDCL informed that the temporary restoration of the maximum roads has been done and work on the remaining roads is going on war footing.
The Principal Secretary PW (R&B) also informed that all measures have been taken to ensure that all vital critical and strategic links are restored for traffic.
The Deputy CM, during the meeting, also took detailed assessment of restoration works in the Kashmir Valley especially in South Kashmir.
The Chief Engineer Central/ South Kashmir informed that the damaged roads have been temporary restored for vehicular movement, however at Vailloo, five roads and three culverts have suffered major damages.
In this regard, the Deputy CM directed CE and SE concerned to visit the spots and take necessary remedial measures for restoration of the roads and submit report to the Administrative department on same.
Keeping in view of the massive damage caused to the Bridges/ Road infrastructure, due to recent floods, the Deputy CM directed the NHAI authorities to conduct safety audit of all bridges including design alignment of the structure in scientific way which will help in maintaining the eco-fragile nature of the mountainous regions on the Highways.
He stressed that all targets set for restoration/completion be achieved within the given time frame and where ever executing agencies/ contractors are negligent/ complacent, strict actions as per norms be initiated including black listing.
The Deputy CM maintained that all the agencies including BRO and National Highway should maintain quality and standard as per standing norms and should avoid sub-letting of the major contracts. He stressed that any deviation in this regard shall be viewed seriously and actions warranted should be taken against the responsible officers.
The Deputy CM also called for smooth and immediate road connectivity across J&K to ensure free movement of people, goods and services. He also stressed that R&B department is the first to respond to the natural calamities and every other service including the essential one can only reach the people, once the road is through.