Perhaps there is no substitute to reviewing and following up the stages and the pace of work of projects under construction to achieve better and desired levels of results. Experience has it that where this type of constant appraisal was missing, projects never ever got completed without one or the other problem, least within timeline not to speak of maintaining of quality standards. Do skills and levels of performance need improvement, were any changes in the design and structure needed, were all stake holders properly involved in the project construction are vital connected issues in respect of a project needing periodic review. UT Chief Secretary recently chairing a meeting of National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) took stock of the situation of various projects undertaken by the Corporation in Jammu and Kashmir. Various other ‘stake holders’ or various Administrative Secretaries too participated to lend credence and due purpose to such review meetings .
It is worth noting that 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel which is being constructed at a cost of Rs.2379 crores promises all weather connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil in Ladakh which is scheduled to be completed by ending June 2021 with two major bridges and one minor one being the part of the important project. Being constructed in Gangagier in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, it was going to open new vistas of round the clock connectivity, saving of time, hassles free flow of traffic and increased commercial and economic activities in the region specific. Not only do such projects herald an accelerated process of economic development of Jammu and Kashmir but depict the resolve of the Union Government to see that fast and assured connectivity between various areas within the UT and outside was fast achieved. It is, therefore, likely that top administrative machinery took regular appraising feels of such projects so that positive accomplishments were uncovered and flaws if any, during the construction process, were confronted and resolved.
Another hyper project, that of 14.15 km long Zoji-La tunnel costing Rs.4430 crore with a promise of being round the year operational connecting Ladakh was slated to be completed by June 2026. It will be really a novel and enthralling experience travelling from Kashmir valley to Ladakh passing through this tunnel. Accredited with the distinction of being Asia’s longest tunnel, the project comprises 18 kms long road, two snow galleries, four major bridges and 18 avalanche protection dams. An engineering marvel, the tunnel was going to have a distinct place in the infrastructural and innovativedevelopment of Jammu and Kashmir. It is noteworthy that while reviewing other road projects underway, the impact of COVID-19, besides on other things, on migrant labour was assessed which could have a bearing on the speed and pace of works and permissions were going to be accorded to contractors for bringing in migrant labour but maintaining the set protocol.
That the Chief Secretary, while assessing the progress of work on other projects which are in the construction mode, repeatedly stressed upon effective monitoring of the projects obviously must be given proper heed at implementation levels so that the projects were completed in time and quality levels maintained for which separate technical and expert level appraisal and audits were required. The phase of current status of project and the next target achievable should be following each other till the completion levels. Needless to add, the culture of uniformity and continuality of follow-up and monitoring were required in all the phases right from initiation, planning, execution to completion or closure.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
