SEP 09: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary chaired a high-level meeting today to comprehensively review the status of road infrastructure restoration in the wake of the recent floods and flash floods that affected Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting focused on the damage sustained by National Highways and other critical road networks across the Union Territory.
Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary PW(R&B), Chief Engineers of all Public Works Department (PWD) wings, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Regional Officer NHAI, Chief Engineer BEACON, Chief Engineer SAMPARK, Project Director NHIDCL, and other senior officials.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Principal Secretary, PWD, highlighting the road infrastructure managed by multiple executing agencies. It was revealed that out of the total road network spanning 42,000 kilometers in J&K, approximately 12,000 kilometers have suffered various degrees of damage due to the recent natural disaster.
The Deputy CM was informed that restoration work is already underway, with men and machinery deployed on a war footing for temporary road repairs. The primary focus remains on quickly re-establishing road connectivity to enable the movement of people, goods, and emergency services.
Emphasizing the importance of road connectivity, Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary stated that the Roads and Buildings Department (R&B) is often the first responder during natural calamities. He underlined that essential services can only reach the affected areas once roads are restored and functional.
He directed all departments involved to coordinate closely, work efficiently, and ensure that all major roads are made operational at the earliest to facilitate normalcy in the region.
