Amongst a strong surge of energy, enthusiasm and euphoria, Member Legislative Assembly, Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania today kick-started re surfacing work on the Dhar Road axis.
Addressing the gathering, Pathania reiterated his commitment towards transforming road connectivity in Udhampur East and said that the Dhar Road as well as the Battal–Mansar Road are of immense strategic, public and tourism importance. He informed that the project shall be executed in multiple stretches, Paldhai to Kishenpur including the Challan–Ramkot stretch, and that a fresh surface and upgradation work is being undertaken at an estimated cost of around ?42 crore.
He further assured to make provision for departmental filling on of pits/potholes and for full resurface of the road from DC office Udhampur upto Dhar Mahanpur.
Pathania emphasized that the quality of work must be of the highest standards and should be durable enough to serve the people for decades. He instructed the GREF authorities to ensure strict monitoring and regular quality checks during execution. MLA personally inspected the ongoing works on the spot and assessed the quality parameters being adopted at the site. The defect liability period of the road is for five years and contractor agency has to take view of the same. He further talked to Divisional Commissioner & IGP (Traffic) Jammu for regulating movement of heavy vehicles on the road for two weeks in order to allow bitumen to settle properly.
Referring to his continuous follow-up with the Union Defence Ministry and BRO/GREF authorities, Pathania stated that road connectivity remains the backbone of development, tourism, strategic mobility and public convenience in the hilly belts of Udhampur district.
He further informed the public that an ambitious project worth nearly ?2300 crore is proposed to be undertaken by the National Highways Authority from Samba towards Udhampur. The proposed corridor is expected to include nearly six underground tunnels and will significantly reduce travel time while boosting tourism and economic activity in the region. The project shall particularly benefit connectivity to the holy shrine of Mansar and several emerging tourist destinations along the corridor.
Pathania stated that the transfer and execution of these strategically important roads through GREF/BRO reflects the national importance attached to the region’s connectivity and defence preparedness.
Reaffirming his vision, the MLA said that Udhampur East shall be developed as a model constituency in terms of robust and viable road connectivity, ensuring seamless movement for the public while opening new avenues for tourism, trade and socio-economic development.
Among those present on the occasion were senior GREF authorities, Mohinder Sharma, Mohan Lal Sharma (Mandal Pradhans), Capt. Gopal Singh Mankotia, Shokat Ali, Suram Chand, Onkar Singh, Sita Ram, Shakti Singh, Raj Rani, Meena Rani, Krishan Kumar, Kartar, Ashok, Pritam Basotra, Som Sharma, President Sanatan Dharm Sabha, Prem Singh, Vicky Jambla, Yuva Pardhan, Gurdev singh and several prominent citizens from various social organisations and local residents.