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| Decade later, J&K’s gateway still stinks, | | |
MUNISH GUPTA
Jammu, Dec 13: The Government's dream project of beautification of the only entry point into the state at Lakhanpur is yet to be completed. The project was conceived a decade ago but till date there has been no marked progress in its completion. If not anybody else the Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rather, has initiated a move for beautification and upgradation of the modern toll plaza by allocating Rs.10 crores in the current budget proposals.
Though over four months have passed there is no sign of activity pertaining to the upgradation of the toll plaza. Lakhanpur continues to be as good or bad as the Inter-state Bus terminal (ISBT) in New Delhi. Over 100 feet wide road(highway) has been reduced to hardly 30 feet because of the unending lines of the stranded trucks, some loaded with goods and others empty. Whenever it rains the Toll plaza area is a picture of muddy highway making it impossible for the passengers to walk to the toilets.
There is no proper parking area for the small and big vehicles that travel on the highway between Jammu and Pathankot-Delhi route. It is a picture of congestion, pollution. No proper eating places. Whenever the buses and small vehicles stop for paying the toll the tourists, they carry, are bewildered when they see the chaotic conditions at the spot. There are more than four toll plazas on Jammu-Delhi highway but the worst plaza is at Lakhanpur. Ironically the toll rate t at Lakhanpur is the highest. Each incoming and outgoing car is charged Rs.78 when the rate ranges between Rs.20 and Rs.45 at three other toll posts on the highway.
Under the development plan Rs.10 crores are to be spent on the modernisation of the toll plaza. In fact a new plaza is to be built with various facilities for the passengers and drivers. First of all various buildings are to be constructed and the construction work was over the state Government has decided to beautify the entire area. In addition to this the plan envisaged the construction of a durable, clean spaces for parking of vehicles which would remove congestion, traffic jams and environmental pollution.
Official sources said that besides infrastructural improvements the plan envisages improvements in the software of the commercial tax department and excise department. This would ensure that the ambience of the toll plaza s hall change from a chaotic, disorderly and congested commercial place into an arena of serenity and beauty for the commuters. All this was being done for the benefit of the commuters and for those who have to stop for paying commercial taxes and the exercise because the revenue collected at Lakhanpur is the biggest money spinning source for the state Government.
When shall this project be completed ?It is for the Finance Minister to show interest in the completion of his dream project.
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