Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: Giving further push to the developmental process in Raipur-Domana segment, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat today kick-started blacktopping of Kote-Purkhu road.
This 3-kilometer important road being upgraded at Rs 1 crore was a long pending demand of the locals and will connect village Kote with main road Akhnoor at Purkhu.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that road connectivity is key to the socio-economic development and Government has given priority to strengthen this sector. He said Raipur-Domana lagged behind in developmental scenario during the past many years due to unrealistic and discriminative approach of successive regimes. He assured the people of the area that the present Government will make all out efforts to develop this segment on modern lines and upgrade all essential services. “During the past one month alone, more than a dozen roads have been macadamized in the area on priority,” he said.
Referring to the up-gradation/widening of Janipur-Amb Gharota road, the Minister said that the work will be further expedited to complete it in a time bound manner. He said the contractors have been asked to gear up their men and machinery to accomplish the project as per the target. The project has been taken up under Central Road Fund (CRF) at an estimated cost of Rs 19 crore. On completion, the road will be a most viable and alternate link for Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch-Rajouri, said the Minister.
Bali directed the engineers to take care of quality strictly as per the new standards and specifications to enhance the longevity of the road.
Later, the Minister also interacted with the people at Purkhu and listened to their problems. The problems which were projected by the locals included, up-gradation of roads, improving drinking water, electricity, health services, sanctioning old age pensions etc. He assured them that their genuine demands will be considered.