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| Many road blocks ahead for Kashmir Railway project | | | Pg 1
Azad for simple travel procedure across LoC
‘Three-pronged strategy for peace yielding results’
JAMMU, APRIL 17 (INFO) – Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Tuesday that three-pronged strategy put in place to address all issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir has yielded encouraging results. “Not only dialogue process between India and Pakistan is on fast track but development and restoration of normalcy in the state received a considerable fillip”.
He was addressing massive public meetings at Surankote and Mendhar in Poonch district where large number of people received Chief Minister warmly giving him rousing reception.
Mr. Azad said that in the next roundtable conference at New Delhi on Aril 24 state government would urge for simplifying travel procedure across line of control. “We will be discussing how to make the travel easier and comfortable from both sides of LoC”.
He further said that the Government of India has already taken up the matter with Government of Pakistan that people of both sides of LoC should be allowed to visit religious places besides facilitating cultural exchange, exchange of students and media persons as well as trade. In this connection, he said, the roads are being appropriately widened and upgraded.
Chief Minister said that necessitated by sudden illness, death or marriage in the divided families also require simplification of procedure for travel across LoC. “We would also like that Kargil-Skardu, Jhanggar-Mirpur Kotli and Suchetgarh-Sialkote roads are opened for travel, tourism and trade”.
Expressing hope that all political parties, ethnic groups, opinion leaders from all the three regions would participate in the roundtable conference, Chief Minister said that in last about 60 years, for the first time a viable platform in the shape of roundtable conference has been provided to address all issues.
Chief Minister said that improvement in relations between India and Pakistan has restored peace in border areas, resulting in normal agricultural and other activities.
Reiterating importance of peace in development process, Chief Minister said that peaceful and conducive atmosphere is a must for speedier and integrated development.
Urging people to maintain mutual amity and secular traditions, he said India’s glory and strength is in its composite culture, secular ethos and democratic values.
Chief Minister said that a new meaning has been given to development by introducing healthy work culture, accountability and monitoring. He said liberal assistance by the central government and Prime Minister’s Rs. 24000 crore package has catapulted state’s development scenario. He said the impact of massive development is visible on the ground in every area of the state.
Chief Minister said that revolutionary legislations have been enacted to address various issues. He said enactment of new Roshni Act to confer ownerships rights of 17 lakh kanals of state land to poor farmers has provided most sought for succour to them. He said that ambitious programme of connecting far-off and remote areas with main highways by constructing new roads and bridges and upgrading existing ones has been launched in the state.
He said tourism development is receiving priority attention of the government at all levels, adding that 17 tourism development authorities have been set up covering all potential areas including Poonch and Rajouri.
Mr. Azad also laid foundation of building of Government Degree College at Mendhar estimated to cost Rs. 5 crore. The complex would be constructed within a period of 12 to 16 months. He also announced that other subjects including science stream would also be introduced in the college in the next two years with the construction of laboratories and other accommodation.
Chief Minister also announced construction of several link roads in Surankote and Mendhar constituencies to provide connectivity to the far-flung areas on the occasion.
Member Parliament Mr. Madan Lal Sharma addressing the meetings enumerated historic decisions taken by Mr. Azad for massive infrastructure development of the state and ensuring all round socio-economic progress of people. He said be it Roshni Act, ensuring healthy work culture and good-governance, launching anti-corruption drive and opening of university campuses, degree colleges and schools and promotion of tourism, development of agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors, a new dawn of development has dawned in all areas of the state.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Member Parliament Ch. Mohammad Aslam lauded the visionary leadership of Mr. Azad and said that state under his stewardship is witnessing a new era of peace and prosperity. He also dwelt on glorious achievements of Mr. Azad during the past 17 months describing these as historic. He also presented development demands of the area.
Prominent among those present on the occasion at Surankote included Mr. Yashpal Sharma, Mr. Rajinder Singh, Mr. Rashid Kalas, Mr. Hamid Manhas and Mr. Nazir Bajar.
Minister of State for Higher Education Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Khan while addressing the public meeting at Mendhar said that education and other important sectors of development have received a great fillip under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Azad and opportunities of higher education upto university level have been provided to the youth nearer to their doorsteps. He said a new chapter of speedy development has commenced in Jammu and Kashmir which would make it a highly developed and prosperous state of the country soon.
MLC Mr. Lal Mohammad Sabir also spoke on the occasion and showered praises on Mr. Azad for taking bold and historic initiatives.
MLA Mr. Javed Rana impressed upon people to maintain unity and amity and said that people have high hopes from Mr. Azad and whole-heartedly support his initiatives for realizing his vision of making Jammu and Kashmir a khushal state.
Among those who also addressed the public meeting included Mr. Zaffarullah.
Present on the occasion were Vice Chairman Pahari Board Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Mr. Jehangir Mir, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Mr. M. A. Anjum, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Mr. J. S. Pachnanda, SSP Poonch Mr. Jagjit Kumar, Director Colleges Dr. N. D. Wani, senior officers, political leaders, prominent citizens and a large number of people.
No: PR/DI-2007/408/ts/gmw/jt
Pg 1
Azad for simple travel procedure across LoC
‘Three-pronged strategy for peace yielding results’
JAMMU, APRIL 17 (INFO) – Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Tuesday that three-pronged strategy put in place to address all issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir has yielded encouraging results. “Not only dialogue process between India and Pakistan is on fast track but development and restoration of normalcy in the state received a considerable fillip”.
He was addressing massive public meetings at Surankote and Mendhar in Poonch district where large number of people received Chief Minister warmly giving him rousing reception.
Mr. Azad said that in the next roundtable conference at New Delhi on Aril 24 state government would urge for simplifying travel procedure across line of control. “We will be discussing how to make the travel easier and comfortable from both sides of LoC”.
He further said that the Government of India has already taken up the matter with Government of Pakistan that people of both sides of LoC should be allowed to visit religious places besides facilitating cultural exchange, exchange of students and media persons as well as trade. In this connection, he said, the roads are being appropriately widened and upgraded.
Chief Minister said that necessitated by sudden illness, death or marriage in the divided families also require simplification of procedure for travel across LoC. “We would also like that Kargil-Skardu, Jhanggar-Mirpur Kotli and Suchetgarh-Sialkote roads are opened for travel, tourism and trade”.
Expressing hope that all political parties, ethnic groups, opinion leaders from all the three regions would participate in the roundtable conference, Chief Minister said that in last about 60 years, for the first time a viable platform in the shape of roundtable conference has been provided to address all issues.
Chief Minister said that improvement in relations between India and Pakistan has restored peace in border areas, resulting in normal agricultural and other activities.
Reiterating importance of peace in development process, Chief Minister said that peaceful and conducive atmosphere is a must for speedier and integrated development.
Urging people to maintain mutual amity and secular traditions, he said India’s glory and strength is in its composite culture, secular ethos and democratic values.
Chief Minister said that a new meaning has been given to development by introducing healthy work culture, accountability and monitoring. He said liberal assistance by the central government and Prime Minister’s Rs. 24000 crore package has catapulted state’s development scenario. He said the impact of massive development is visible on the ground in every area of the state.
Chief Minister said that revolutionary legislations have been enacted to address various issues. He said enactment of new Roshni Act to confer ownerships rights of 17 lakh kanals of state land to poor farmers has provided most sought for succour to them. He said that ambitious programme of connecting far-off and remote areas with main highways by constructing new roads and bridges and upgrading existing ones has been launched in the state.
He said tourism development is receiving priority attention of the government at all levels, adding that 17 tourism development authorities have been set up covering all potential areas including Poonch and Rajouri.
Mr. Azad also laid foundation of building of Government Degree College at Mendhar estimated to cost Rs. 5 crore. The complex would be constructed within a period of 12 to 16 months. He also announced that other subjects including science stream would also be introduced in the college in the next two years with the construction of laboratories and other accommodation.
Chief Minister also announced construction of several link roads in Surankote and Mendhar constituencies to provide connectivity to the far-flung areas on the occasion.
Member Parliament Mr. Madan Lal Sharma addressing the meetings enumerated historic decisions taken by Mr. Azad for massive infrastructure development of the state and ensuring all round socio-economic progress of people. He said be it Roshni Act, ensuring healthy work culture and good-governance, launching anti-corruption drive and opening of university campuses, degree colleges and schools and promotion of tourism, development of agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors, a new dawn of development has dawned in all areas of the state.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Member Parliament Ch. Mohammad Aslam lauded the visionary leadership of Mr. Azad and said that state under his stewardship is witnessing a new era of peace and prosperity. He also dwelt on glorious achievements of Mr. Azad during the past 17 months describing these as historic. He also presented development demands of the area.
Prominent among those present on the occasion at Surankote included Mr. Yashpal Sharma, Mr. Rajinder Singh, Mr. Rashid Kalas, Mr. Hamid Manhas and Mr. Nazir Bajar.
Minister of State for Higher Education Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Khan while addressing the public meeting at Mendhar said that education and other important sectors of development have received a great fillip under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Azad and opportunities of higher education upto university level have been provided to the youth nearer to their doorsteps. He said a new chapter of speedy development has commenced in Jammu and Kashmir which would make it a highly developed and prosperous state of the country soon.
MLC Mr. Lal Mohammad Sabir also spoke on the occasion and showered praises on Mr. Azad for taking bold and historic initiatives.
MLA Mr. Javed Rana impressed upon people to maintain unity and amity and said that people have high hopes from Mr. Azad and whole-heartedly support his initiatives for realizing his vision of making Jammu and Kashmir a khushal state.
Among those who also addressed the public meeting included Mr. Zaffarullah.
Present on the occasion were Vice Chairman Pahari Board Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Mr. Jehangir Mir, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Mr. M. A. Anjum, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Mr. J. S. Pachnanda, SSP Poonch Mr. Jagjit Kumar, Director Colleges Dr. N. D. Wani, senior officers, political leaders, prominent citizens and a large number of people.
No: PR/DI-2007/408/ts/gmw/jt
Pg 1
Azad for simple travel procedure across LoC
‘Three-pronged strategy for peace yielding results’
JAMMU, APRIL 17 (INFO) – Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Tuesday that three-pronged strategy put in place to address all issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir has yielded encouraging results. “Not only dialogue process between India and Pakistan is on fast track but development and restoration of normalcy in the state received a considerable fillip”.
He was addressing massive public meetings at Surankote and Mendhar in Poonch district where large number of people received Chief Minister warmly giving him rousing reception.
Mr. Azad said that in the next roundtable conference at New Delhi on Aril 24 state government would urge for simplifying travel procedure across line of control. “We will be discussing how to make the travel easier and comfortable from both sides of LoC”.
He further said that the Government of India has already taken up the matter with Government of Pakistan that people of both sides of LoC should be allowed to visit religious places besides facilitating cultural exchange, exchange of students and media persons as well as trade. In this connection, he said, the roads are being appropriately widened and upgraded.
Chief Minister said that necessitated by sudden illness, death or marriage in the divided families also require simplification of procedure for travel across LoC. “We would also like that Kargil-Skardu, Jhanggar-Mirpur Kotli and Suchetgarh-Sialkote roads are opened for travel, tourism and trade”.
Expressing hope that all political parties, ethnic groups, opinion leaders from all the three regions would participate in the roundtable conference, Chief Minister said that in last about 60 years, for the first time a viable platform in the shape of roundtable conference has been provided to address all issues.
Chief Minister said that improvement in relations between India and Pakistan has restored peace in border areas, resulting in normal agricultural and other activities.
Reiterating importance of peace in development process, Chief Minister said that peaceful and conducive atmosphere is a must for speedier and integrated development.
Urging people to maintain mutual amity and secular traditions, he said India’s glory and strength is in its composite culture, secular ethos and democratic values.
Chief Minister said that a new meaning has been given to development by introducing healthy work culture, accountability and monitoring. He said liberal assistance by the central government and Prime Minister’s Rs. 24000 crore package has catapulted state’s development scenario. He said the impact of massive development is visible on the ground in every area of the state.
Chief Minister said that revolutionary legislations have been enacted to address various issues. He said enactment of new Roshni Act to confer ownerships rights of 17 lakh kanals of state land to poor farmers has provided most sought for succour to them. He said that ambitious programme of connecting far-off and remote areas with main highways by constructing new roads and bridges and upgrading existing ones has been launched in the state.
He said tourism development is receiving priority attention of the government at all levels, adding that 17 tourism development authorities have been set up covering all potential areas including Poonch and Rajouri.
Mr. Azad also laid foundation of building of Government Degree College at Mendhar estimated to cost Rs. 5 crore. The complex would be constructed within a period of 12 to 16 months. He also announced that other subjects including science stream would also be introduced in the college in the next two years with the construction of laboratories and other accommodation.
Chief Minister also announced construction of several link roads in Surankote and Mendhar constituencies to provide connectivity to the far-flung areas on the occasion.
Member Parliament Mr. Madan Lal Sharma addressing the meetings enumerated historic decisions taken by Mr. Azad for massive infrastructure development of the state and ensuring all round socio-economic progress of people. He said be it Roshni Act, ensuring healthy work culture and good-governance, launching anti-corruption drive and opening of university campuses, degree colleges and schools and promotion of tourism, development of agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors, a new dawn of development has dawned in all areas of the state.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Member Parliament Ch. Mohammad Aslam lauded the visionary leadership of Mr. Azad and said that state under his stewardship is witnessing a new era of peace and prosperity. He also dwelt on glorious achievements of Mr. Azad during the past 17 months describing these as historic. He also presented development demands of the area.
Prominent among those present on the occasion at Surankote included Mr. Yashpal Sharma, Mr. Rajinder Singh, Mr. Rashid Kalas, Mr. Hamid Manhas and Mr. Nazir Bajar.
Minister of State for Higher Education Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Khan while addressing the public meeting at Mendhar said that education and other important sectors of development have received a great fillip under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Azad and opportunities of higher education upto university level have been provided to the youth nearer to their doorsteps. He said a new chapter of speedy development has commenced in Jammu and Kashmir which would make it a highly developed and prosperous state of the country soon.
MLC Mr. Lal Mohammad Sabir also spoke on the occasion and showered praises on Mr. Azad for taking bold and historic initiatives.
MLA Mr. Javed Rana impressed upon people to maintain unity and amity and said that people have high hopes from Mr. Azad and whole-heartedly support his initiatives for realizing his vision of making Jammu and Kashmir a khushal state.
Among those who also addressed the public meeting included Mr. Zaffarullah.
Present on the occasion were Vice Chairman Pahari Board Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Mr. Jehangir Mir, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Mr. M. A. Anjum, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Mr. J. S. Pachnanda, SSP Poonch Mr. Jagjit Kumar, Director Colleges Dr. N. D. Wani, senior officers, political leaders, prominent citizens and a large number of people.
No: PR/DI-2007/408/ts/gmw/jt
Jammu, April 17
The work on mega Railway project for Kashmir Valley is suffering greatly in the absence of expert hands for handling German machinery procured for craving out 11 km tunnel from Nowgam Banihal to Ujru Gulab Bagh Quazigund.
The work on Banihal tunnel started in the year May 2005 is scheduled for completion in 2011.
Hindustan Construction Company has won the tender to construct both the North and South Section of the 11km Banihal tunnel for $120 million.
However, since the work is being executed at a snails speed in the absence of the use of hi tech machinery, the completion of the tunnel as per experts could delay by three more years.
Interestingly, the company entrusted with the job, despite importing heavy tunnel construction machinery from German is not able to use it. Reason being that the company has failed to manage the experts who could operate the machinery.
Sources said that, two machines procured at a cost of Rupees 17 crore each from Germany are laying idle for want of Engineers who could operate these machines.
The machines were to be used for carving the 11 Km tunnel from either side at Ujru Quazigund and Nowgam in Banihal.
Due to inability of the Company to use the Hi tech machines, the work of digging the targeted 3 meter tunnel per day is getting delayed by 3 days, sources added.
The project as a whole is also suffering badly due to lack of coordination between state government and the companies involved in the execution. The complications created due to delay in acquisition of land and release of compensation has already delayed the commissioning of even easier Quazigund - Baramulla section. This part of the project is still awaiting even the trail run when four months of the year have already lapsed.
The Project officially coded USBRL (Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Railway) starts from the city of Udhampur North of Jammu and travels for 312 km (187 mi) to the city of Baramulla on the North Western Edge of the Kashmir Valley.
The line declared as a National Project during Vajpayee Government is considered to be the most challenging railway Engineering venture taken up in India.
The project when completed would have 158 bridges and passes through 20 tunnels, the longest of which is 11km (six miles) in length at Banihal. The greatest single engineering challenge is the crossing of the Chenab which involves building a bridge 359m above the river bed, 1,315m long.
The situation along 25 Kms Udhampur - Katra link being constructed by Indian Railway and 90 Km line from Katra to Slaole in Kashmir by Konkan Railway is also no different.
Arguably the toughest portion of project with over 80% of the line either inside a Tunnel or on a Bridge, the work along Katra to Slaole in Kashmir is hanging in balance due to delay in the land acquisition and release of compensation to the owners.
With this slow speed at even land acquisition stage, the project is likely to take heavy toll of time and money. ()
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