APRIL 4: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress of National Highway projects across Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the critical importance of these initiatives for the region’s infrastructure. The meeting aimed to ensure the timely completion of these projects while minimizing public inconvenience. It was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Commissioner Secretary of Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Secretary of Public Works (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar; and Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, with other officers participating online.
Representatives from key agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were also present to discuss the execution of various projects. During the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo reviewed the progress of critical infrastructure projects, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra (DAK) Expressway, the four-laning of the Banihal Bypass, the Srinagar Ring Road, Jammu-Akhnoor National Highway, the Chenani-Sudhmahadev Road, the Khellani Bypass Tunnel, and various initiatives under Project SAMPARK.
The Chief Secretary carefully examined each project’s individual packages, their scheduled completion dates, and the current progress. He issued firm directives to NHAI, instructing them to expedite project completion while ensuring that public inconvenience is minimized. “Delays are unacceptable. We must prioritize efficiency and public convenience in equal measure,” he asserted.
Dulloo also stressed the importance of accountability in the execution of these projects, scrutinizing both the physical and financial statuses. He emphasized the need for proactive planning to address the region’s unique topographical challenges, including weather conditions and natural barriers. “Weather conditions and natural challenges must be anticipated and integrated into our project timelines to prevent unnecessary delays,” he directed the officers.
To avoid resource-related delays, Dulloo instructed the Director of Geology and Mining, Suraj Parkash Rukwal, to conduct field visits and ensure that mining activities do not hinder project progress. Additionally, he discussed forest clearance issues with Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda.
Officers from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department in Kashmir and Pir Panjal regions also presented updates on their respective projects. The Chief Secretary further reviewed the progress of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and engaged with Deputy Commissioners to identify and resolve district-specific challenges, particularly those related to land acquisition, urging them to expedite processes for smooth project execution.