Administration seeks swift resolution of field issues, stresses maintenance of interim surfaces
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday undertook a detailed review of the Jammu & Kashmir Infrastructure and Connectivity Development Programme, which comprises a portfolio of National Highways, tunnels, flyovers, viaducts, bridges, ring roads and other strategic connectivity projects with a combined value running into nearly ₹40,000 crore, officials said.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, brought together senior officers from the Public Works (R&B) Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and divisional and district administrations of both Jammu and Kashmir. Representatives of Project Beacon and SAMPARK, among other executing agencies, also attended.
Officials said the Chief Secretary took stock of the physical progress of individual highway and tunnel projects and sought probable dates of completion. He directed the Divisional and District Administrations to keep in close coordination with executing agencies for the swift resolution of bottlenecks affecting project execution.
Key operational directives issued during the review included:
- Identification and proactive resolution of field‑level issues that delay work.
- Strict adherence to approved timelines and time‑bound completion of projects.
- Ensuring that stretches of road currently used by commuters remain motorable and safe while construction continues.
- Immediate attention to damaged road surfaces and deficiencies that cause traffic snarls and inconvenience to the public.
Officials present were asked to update the administration on the physical progress of each project and to provide probable completion dates so that benefits could reach people at the earliest, the meeting record showed. The review also covered a substantial pipeline of projects at DPR and in‑principle stages being prepared for sanction and inclusion in upcoming work plans under various Government of India programmes.
Coordination among executing agencies emphasised
The Chief Secretary underlined the transformative impact these connectivity investments are expected to have across the Union Territory, particularly for economic activity, tourism and access to services. He instructed senior officers to ensure close coordination between the administration and executing agencies — BRO, NHAI, NHIDCL and PWD — to clear land, forest, utility and other field issues without delay.
Officials were directed to maintain a proactive posture on issues such as right‑of‑way, forest clearances and relocation of utilities that traditionally stall progress of large infrastructure projects. The review also stressed the need for regular monitoring at the project level to guarantee compliance with timelines.
| Executing Agency | Role in J&K programme |
|---|---|
| BRO | Strategic roadworks, mountain passes and border connectivity |
| NHAI | Upgradation and maintenance of National Highways |
| NHIDCL | Highway and tunnel projects in difficult terrain |
| PWD (R&B) | Local road works, bridges and coordination with district administrations |
Public convenience and interim safety measures highlighted
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary drew particular attention to the condition of road surfaces on stretches that remain open to commuters while construction is ongoing. He asked concerned agencies to ensure these stretches are kept motorable and safe, and ordered remedial action wherever damage to road surfaces was creating traffic problems.
Senior officers were also instructed to expedite measures that reduce inconvenience to the public, including timely repair of potholes and management of traffic snarls arising from construction activity. The administration noted that maintaining interim safety standards is essential to sustain public confidence while large‑scale upgrades continue.
Sources said the review was part of an ongoing push by the administration to accelerate infrastructure delivery in the Union Territory and to dovetail multiple projects so as to maximise connectivity benefits. Officials will now follow up with departmental and field teams to provide updated timelines and progress reports.
With multiple corridors and tunnels under construction, the administration’s objective is to ensure that the massive public investment yields visible outcomes — reduced travel times, greater resilience of all‑weather links and improved access for commerce, tourism and essential services across Jammu and Kashmir.
