The Jammu-Poonch National Highway (NH-144A) represents more than just a strip of asphalt; it is the lifeline of connectivity and a cornerstone for economic and social development in the hilly districts of Rajouri and Poonch. However, the highway’s sluggish progress, with only 83 kilometres of the 168-kilometre Akhnoor-Poonch stretch completed so far, paints a troubling picture of delayed promises and persistent challenges. Strategically significant and economically vital, the highway’s completion has been eagerly awaited by the region’s residents, whose daily lives and aspirations are intricately tied to its progress. The project, executed by the Border Roads Organisation and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, has faced a series of bottlenecks. These include land acquisition issues, encroachments, law-and-order challenges, and contractor disputes, all of which have contributed to the delay.
The stark reality is that the slow pace of construction is not just an inconvenience; it is a barrier to development. Poor road infrastructure hampers access to essential services such as healthcare and education delays the transportation of goods, and deters potential investment in the region. For residents of Rajouri and Poonch, traversing the incomplete highway is not merely a matter of inconvenience-it is a daily ordeal in the rugged mountainous terrain.
The Government has noted these delays, with the Minister of State for Defence assuring that the remaining work will be completed in phases by 2027. Additionally, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and BRO have introduced measures such as enhanced monitoring, coordination with local authorities, and regular maintenance to mitigate immediate challenges. These steps are commendable but insufficient to assuage residents frustration, who have waited far too long for tangible results.
It is evident that infrastructure projects of this scale are fraught with complexities, particularly in regions with challenging terrains. However, these challenges should not serve as a perpetual excuse for delay. Instead, they call for proactive planning and robust execution strategies. The phased completion timeline, while pragmatic, underscores the need for greater efficiency in project management to ensure that deadlines do not slip further.
The Government’s emphasis on traffic management and temporary road maintenance during construction is a necessary short-term solution. Yet, such measures should not overshadow the urgency of expediting the project. Residents deserve more than temporary fixes; they need the assurance of a completed highway that fulfils its promise of enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities. As the Government renews its focus on this crucial project, it must recognise that timely delivery is not just a metric of success but a necessity for the people it aims to serve. Bureaucratic hurdles, logistical challenges, and contractor inefficiencies cannot be allowed to derail the aspirations of an entire region.
The completion of the Jammu-Poonch Highway holds transformative potential for the region. Improved connectivity will reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and open up new avenues for tourism. It will bridge the gap between remote communities and mainstream economic activities, ensuring that the benefits of development are equitably distributed. The highway’s strategic significance also enhances national security, underscoring the need for its timely completion.
The road to Poonch is, quite literally, a road to progress. Every kilometre completed is a step toward bridging gaps, fostering inclusion, and igniting hope. However, progress on paper must translate into action on the ground. The Government’s commitment to resolving the delays is a welcome step, but the prolonged timeline raises many critical questions. For the residents of Rajouri and Poonch, patience is the only viable alternative right now. Those at the helm of affairs must act with urgency and resolve to ensure that the Jammu-Poonch Highway does not remain a symbol of delay but emerges as a beacon of progress and integration. Sustained efforts are the need of the hour. Time is of the essence, and the people of this region deserve nothing less than a highway that paves the way for a brighter future.
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