JUNE 26: In a significant step toward strengthening infrastructure and improving connectivity in Poonch district, Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal inaugurated the blacktopping work on a vital stretch of road between Kalai Bridge and Drungli Nallah on the Chandak Bypass, which forms part of the National Highway 144-A.
The inauguration ceremony marked the commencement of a much-anticipated development project aimed at enhancing the quality of road infrastructure and ensuring safer, smoother, and more reliable travel for residents, commuters, and transporters alike. This critical segment of the road had long needed repairs due to frequent wear and tear caused by weather conditions and heavy traffic flow.
Speaking at the event, DC Vikas Kundal emphasized the administration’s continued commitment to improving core public infrastructure, particularly roadways that connect remote regions and facilitate access to essential services. He noted that the blacktopping initiative will significantly reduce travel time and improve the overall driving experience on this frequently used route.
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), local representatives, engineers, and residents were also present at the ceremony. Engineers overseeing the project assured that high-quality materials and advanced techniques would be used to ensure the durability and longevity of the newly resurfaced road.
Residents expressed appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the frequent issues they faced due to potholes and uneven road surfaces. For them, this development represents not only an infrastructure upgrade but also a step toward economic progress, improved connectivity, and increased safety.
The Chandak Bypass, a crucial link within the NH-144A corridor, serves both civilian and strategic purposes. Upgrading this stretch is expected to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across the region, further boosting regional mobility and local trade.
This project is part of a broader government initiative to enhance road networks as outlined in regional development plans. With this work now underway, the administration continues to deliver on its promise to prioritize public welfare and long-term infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The blacktopping project is scheduled for completion within a stipulated timeframe, after which additional stretches may undergo similar improvements.
