Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Apr 21: While the public of Jammu and Srinagar cities is suffering badly due to worst condition of roads and lanes, the Government is contemplating to launch prestigious Ring Road projects for both capital cities of the State to ease traffic congestion as long term measures.
In view of September 2014 rains and floods and the recent rains during last one month, the condition of roads in Jammu has gone from bad to worst. Similar is the condition in Srinagar city besides other major towns of the State. The rains, landslides and floods also caused extensive damage to some bridges, culverts and National Highway besides Batote-Kishtwar road and other inter district roads. The public anger is rising against the attitude of neglect of the Government. Massive hue and cry across the State in view of delay being caused by the R&B authorities in the repair work is being witnessed. But the top officials in the department indicated that due to cash crunch State is unable to take up repair and maintenance work immediately.
Official sources told the Excelsior that State Government is contemplating to develop Ring Road in Jammu city to ease increasing traffic congestion. For this a detailed project report worth Rs 1350 crores has been prepared. Similarly, for Srinagar city another detailed project report worth Rs 1650 crores has been prepared. The matter has been taken up afresh with the National Highway Authority of India by the J&K Government. The discussion with regard to these projects is going on at various levels in the Union Ministry of Highways, the sources added.
Minister for R&B, Syed Altaf Bukhari when contacted disclosed that the proposal for the Ring Road projects for Jammu and Srinagar cities has been taken up by him forcefully with the Union Ministry for Highways for funding. He said Jammu and Srinagar cities are facing massive problem of traffic congestion and during peak tourist season, due to long traffic jams the tourists as well as the locals face problems in Srinagar city. Moreover, traffic load is much in Jammu as well during winter months and long traffic jams often create problem for the people, office goers and students in general. Many people miss flights and trains due to long traffic jams.
For Jammu city, 60 km Ring Road on the pattern of Union Capital ( Delhi) and 62 km such Ring Road for Srinagar are being developed. The DPRs worth Rs 3000 crore have been prepared and submitted to the concerned authority (NHAI).
“They are insisting us to go ahead with the projects on 50:50 funding basis. But we are unable to manage huge funds for the purpose. The discussions were held at various levels in the Ministry at Delhi and now we have agreed at 90:10 basis. The Chief Minister has also intervened into the matter and we are hopeful that work on the projects would be commenced after getting final nod from the Union Ministry of Transport & Highways,” Mr Bukhari maintained.
Replying to another question, the R&B Minister said not only the Ring Road projects, the other possibilities and measures are also being explored to reduce traffic congestion by widening roads and develop alternate links in both the capital cities by involving JMC, JDA, SDA and SMC authorities. “It is ongoing process and involvement of all the concerned agencies and respective District Administrations is imperative,” he added.
When asked about the deteriorated condition of roads not only in Jammu and Srinagar but in the whole State due to rains, floods and landslides and delay being caused due to non-release for funds to the agencies, Mr Bukhari said that he has taken up the matter with the Chief Minister for release of special funds. The Chief Minister also took up the review meeting and offered to release special funds for the purpose.
“I have directed all the concerned Chief Engineers, SEs and Xens to prepare details of the damages and funds required for repair and maintenance work. They have been given one week time. They will submit this report within couple of days and handsome amount as `special funds’ will be released by the Government for this purpose. It is hoped that repair work in Jammu and Srinagar cities will start by next two weeks and on all other roads in the semi-urban or rural areas by next three weeks,” Mr Bukhari maintained.
Referring to maintenance of Batote- Kishtwar road, Bukhari said R&B is capable of the maintenance and repair of this road. Special funds are also needed for this road as it has suffered extensive damage at many places. The repair work would be commenced soon. Besides this, restoration of SK Bridge at Poonch is the top priority of the Government. The Advocate General had appeared in court personally and it is hoped that stay would be got vacated shortly and work would start soon on this vital bridge linking population of over 2 lakhs.
Mr Bukhari claimed that he would not compromise on the quality of work and will himself monitor repair work through his `own cell’ as already declared on the floor of the House. Those assigned the task of their respective areas, will be held responsible for the quality of work performed there.
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