Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 12 : Highlighting the importance of dependable road network in a State like Jammu and Kashmir presenting mosaic of topographical diversity and remoteness of areas, Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani today underlined the significance of the historic Mughal Road as an alternate highway for the people of the State.
Reviewing the current double-lanning status and upgradation works on Mughal Road, Wani said that plying of double lane traffic on this economically important highway will be yet another step to open up large chunk of area inhabited by poor people to socio-economic welfare.
“This road will boost commercial avenues for people living in border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, reduce transportation cost for fruit growers of the Valley, open up new tourist destinations and facilitate greater inter-regional culture and economic exchange between people of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and also with rest of the country”, he said, adding that Government has already initiated proposal to make Mughal Road as an all weather road by constructing tunnel near Pir Ki Gali.
Taking brief from the concerned construction agency regarding its latest status, Wani was informed that 99 percent of the 84 kilometer stretch has been completely blacktopped and most of the unstable slopes en-route stabilized against slips and slides. He was further informed that further stabilization of highly unstable slopes between Pir Ki Gali and Chata Pani is under progress and continuously monitored.
The Minister directed the concerned executing agency (HCC) to ensure that all unstable slopes along the route are stabilized permanently through use of modern engineering treatment techniques, and remaining portion of the side drains completed immediately and carriage way strengthened.
While responding to certain issues raised by the executing agency, Wani appreciated the progress of work on the prestigious and historical road despite difficult terrain and working conditions. He assured the executing agencies that issues brought to his notice will be given due consideration by the Government.
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