CCI delegation meets 14th FC, demands Intl Airport at Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu has demanded setting up of International Airport, underground metro in Jammu city and establishment of world class busstand in the winter capital city and other major towns of the region.
In a memorandum submitted to 14th Finance Commission here today president of the Jammu Chamber Y V Sharma demanded an International Airport in Jammu, immediate approval for underground metro and a plan for augmenting the facilities at Jammu Railway Station to receive bullet train, fast speed Rajdhani trains with full arrangements of electrification, mono rail project and augmented facilities for running Shtabadi trains between Jammu and Delhi.
The Chamber delegation further demanded the work on Jammu-Jallandhar double track and electrification of whole track to be expedited. Jammu Railway Station be upgraded to receive and depart more trains as at present only three platforms are there. At least three more platforms are required. The city needs many underground parking slots and business complexes like Palika in Delhi.
Mr Sharma stressed that industrial development requires best infrastructure. He said the Chamber has been pleading the setting up of new business centres, shopping complexes, warehouses, cold storages and other infrastructure besides uninterrupted power and water supply. The power supply in Jammu is grim and water supply is also not satisfactory. These things can be improved only if Centre provides sufficient funds. He said there is great scope of tourism and over one crore Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims visit every year. They can be diverted to other areas of Jammu region if the tourist resorts are developed. He stressed the need to develop water sports, rope ways/ gondolas, new hotels, restaurants, food junctions, view points etc.
The CCI members also projected the demand of setting up of Rail Coach factory in Jammu, solar equipment plant for utilising the solar energy, tax and Excise Duty exemptions and special package for industry in Jammu and Kashmir, besides creation of new industrial areas. The other members of the Chamber including secretary general, Arun Gupta also accompanied.
Meanwhile, CCI delegation also met the Regional Director State Pollution Control Board Sajjad Mufti here today and discussed the matter relating to the notices issued by the PCB to some hoteliers for their sealing. Mr Sharma said that this act of PCB has sent the panic among the hotel owners. He requested the RD to postpone the process keeping in view the rush of Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrimage and coming Shri Amar Nath ji Yatra.
The Hoteliers Association has already assured the PCB that they would complete their STB which is compulsory within two months. The Chamber president also talked o Divisional Commissioner and Dy Commissioner Jammu on this matter. Senior members Arun Gupta, Sham Lal Langar and Deepak Aggarwal also accompanied.