J&K LG urges timely project completion in review meeting

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir chaired a crucial review meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of adhering to project timelines and ensuring quality control in infrastructure development across the region.
During the meeting, which was attended by senior officials from various departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Sinha reviewed the progress of several road infrastructure projects. These projects included initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), Central Road and Infrastructure Fund, NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), macadamization of cities and towns, pothole-free roads program, bridge and road sector developments, national highway projects, and tunnel projects like Z-Morh and Zojila.

Sinha stressed the importance of monitoring ongoing projects to ensure quality and directed executing agencies to strictly adhere to project completion timelines. He also called for comprehensive safety audits of roads and bridges, with corrective measures to be implemented promptly where necessary.

Key officials from agencies such as NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited), and BRO (Border Roads Organisation) provided updates on major projects, including the Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway, Semi Ring Road projects in Jammu and Srinagar, Udhampur-Ramban and Ramban-Banihal road sections, among others.

The meeting also addressed Human Resource Management considerations following the merger of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) with the Public Works (R&B) Department. Lt Governor Sinha encouraged officials to explore the possibility of creating dedicated divisions within the department for buildings and bridges to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Key attendees at the meeting included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Santosh D Vaidya, Commissioner/Secretary GAD Sanjeev Verma, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Administrative Secretary of the Public Works (R&B) Department Bhupinder Kumar, Divisional Commissioners, Chief Engineers, and senior officials from PW(R&B), NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, and other relevant departments.

The comprehensive review underscores the administration’s commitment to expeditious and efficient implementation of critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and development across Jammu and Kashmir.