Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 11: Minister for R&B Abdul Rehman Veeri today said that 4-laning work on Jammu -Akhnoor road would commence after the survey work is completed by the DPR consultants.
He further disclosed that GREF authorities have engaged consultancy for preparing feasibility report and detailed project report on Akhnoor-Poonch road. They have received directions from the concerned Ministry in this regard and he was in touch with them.
Replying to a question of PDP Member Vikramaditya Singh in the Upper House today with regard to the delay being caused in starting 4-laning work on Jammu Akhnoor road which stands cleared by the Government, the Minister said that the road from Jammu to Akhnoor has been entrusted to the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation for its upgradation to 4-lane with paved shoulders.
Veeri disclosed that the earlier tenders invited for consultancy services had to be cancelled due to unreasonable quoted rates. After floating fresh tenders, the work for the Consultancy services for preparation of `Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report ‘ for up-gradation to 4-lane has now been awarded to the DPR Consultant during September 2016. The DPR consultant has been deployed and survey work is in progress, he added
PDP member Surinder Choudhary asked for any plan to upgrade Akhnoor-Poonch highway while BJP member Ajatshatru Singh stressed for the safety of people, especially students daily travelling from Akhnoor area to Jammu educational hub and back home during construction work on this road. Mr Singh also suggested for an alternative road during the construction period of this highway.
The Minister assured that safety of the students and passengers using this road will be taken care of during that period and issue will be taken up with the constructing agency. He claimed that as per directions of the Central Govt, survey work on Akhnoor-Poonch highway has been taken up by the Border Roads Organization. It was in progress.