13 kms of Kishtwar-Sinthan road blacktopped after 34 years

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13 kms of Kishtwar-Sinthan road blacktopped after 34 years

Work on Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel likely to begin next year

10/14/2018 9:44:49 PM

Asif Iqbal Naik
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Oct 14: The picture of official and political apathy that reflects the poor road condition towards Kishtwar side while travelling on Kishtwar-Sinthan road connecting Kishtwar with Anantnag has now changed after nearly 34.
As per the details available with "Early Times" the government of Jammu and Kashmir under Governor rule initiated steps for blacktopping and maintenance of Sinthan road after it was declared part of National Highway 244.
After hectic efforts from outgoing Governor N N Vohra & local legislator, 13 KM road out of 27 KM stretch from Sinthan Top to Potato Farm has been blacktopped and the remaining work of blacktopping has been stopped following after fresh snowfall at Sinthan top and its adjoining areas.
The Sinthan top witnesses clear official apathy since the road from Kashmir side was fully blacktopped and in good shape while entering into Kishtwar side, the poor condition of the road leads to tragic and nightmare journey claiming the lives of several innocent people in last several years, but now the first 8 KM from Sinthan Top towards Kishtwar is blacktopped, beside the condition of the road surface has also improved making the drive on this road comfortable.
The 5 KM road stretch from Potato Farm towards Sinthan top was also blacktopped while the funds for blacktopping and maintenance of the road has been reserved till the next working season or till the prevailing condition for further blacktopping of the road is suitable.
Speaking to "Early Times" a darbar move employee posted in civil secretariat Srinagar said that after blacktopping and maintenance of road surface, it took four and half hour to him to reach Srinagar as compared to 8-10 hours hectic journey earlier. He said that the travelling on this road has become easier now.
Driver of a passenger said that with the improved condition of the road, the passengers traveling on this road are feeling better and travel on this road could become more easier. He said that road between Chatroo and Potato farm required immediate attention as well.
Meanwhile The National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) that has been entrusted with the responsibility of construction of Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag National Highway is working on construction of Singhpora-Vailoo, Sudhmahadev tunnels and up-gradation of Batote-Kishtwar-Sinthan Pass-Anantnag road and the work on this prestigious road project will be started next year as the consultant TPF Getinsa Euroestudios company has been assigned the job for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for two lane tunnels at Sudhmahadev (4.5 kms) and Singpora Vailoo (10 kms (5 KM each) and is likely to submit the report by the end of December this year which will be put for the bid in February next year.
Speaking to "Early Times" local legislator G M Saroori said the construction of Singpora tunnel was his dream project which will not only shorten the distance between Kishtwar & Srinagar by around 64 KMs, but also provide all-weather connectivity between the two regions of the state.

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