PHDCCI takes up Jammu-Akhnoor highway issues with NHIDCL ED

PHDCCI members at a meeting with NHIDCL ED in Jammu on Friday.
PHDCCI members at a meeting with NHIDCL ED in Jammu on Friday.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 24: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry today projected the issues related to Jammu-Akhnoor four laning highway with the Executive Director of National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
A delegation of PHDCCI led by its Co-Chairman, Rahul Sahai along with other senior members met Riten Kumar Singh, Executive Director, NHIDCL here today. Sahai briefed the ED about the issues being faced by members of PHDCCI and general public and requested for early resolution. The issues discussed were modification of Canal Head crossing, improvement of Existing road from Bakshi Nagar Bridge to BSF Gate, construction of drainage and sewerage at Canal Road along with the road widening of Jammu – Akhnoor Highway, re-allocation of electric poles, street lighting at Akhnoor Road, lack of direction signage and restoration of Green walkway on left bank of Canal on Jammu- Akhnoor Road.
Senior member, Vikrant Kuthiala mentioned that due to the ongoing construction work of 4-lanning and Flyover of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, a large number of street lights have either become defunct or defective from the stretch of Canal Head to Muthi. He also mentioned that due to the widening of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, the Walk-way and the Greenery along Ranbir Canal is going to be substantially reduced, thereby reducing the green cover of the city. He suggested that the Green Walkway should be developed on left bank of the Canal.
He also mentioned that earlier Akhnoor Road had clearly marked route signage’s to assist the traffic; however, after commencement of construction work all such signage have been removed. He requested that the builder be directed to install temporary signage till completion of road works. He requested NHIDCL to direct SP Singla & Co to maintain the road.
Nandan Kuthiala mentioned that four busy roads namely Akhnoor Road, Talab Tillo, Bhagwati Nagar and Jewel Chowk road meet at the crossing of Canal Head. He mentioned that as per the present drawings, the Crossing would become accident prone and a potential traffic choke point between the proposed road and Canal there is 10 Kanals of Govt land. He requested that if the Right of Way (ROW) of this land is with the Govt and ” if the road alignment is shifted onto this ROW (Marked) Land, this will make the crossing Straight instead of S” and the flow of Traffic from Akhnoor Road to Bhagwati Nagar & 4th Bridge would also be “STRAIGHT”. Then only an integrated Traffic Light System at Canal Head Crossing would be required for the smooth flow of traffic.
Sanjay Aggarwal requested for the expeditious completion of this segment of the highway as the construction has totally disrupted commercial activity in the area in addition to making life difficult for the residents due to constant disturbance and lack of proper approach to their establishments. He drew ED’s attention to the fact that there is no drainage and sewerage system between the stretches from Canal Head side till Bakshi Nagar Bridge.
The ED gave a patience hearing to the issues and assured that he shall immediately look into the issues.