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| Saroori attends TDC meeting in Delhi, demands Rs 704Cr for road widening | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
New Delhi Feb 05: Urging the Centre to provide liberal financial support for widening road connectivity up to the remotest areas of the State, the Minister for R&B, Mr. G.M.Sroori has said”, it was imperative for speedy development, as well as promotion of tourism”.
Speaking at the 32nd Transport Development Council meeting held here today, Mr. Saroori said the vast tourism potential of the State still remains un-explored due to lack of road connectivity.
The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of Surface Transport, Mr. Kamal Nath.
Mr. Saroori said that the hilly areas of the State, having tremendous tourism potential, can only be exploited fully by construction of roads and tunnels wherever required.Substantiating his plea, the Minister said that the construction of roads and tunnels for connecting the remotest villages of the State will not only bring these locations in the ambit of tourist circuit but will also generate economic activity in these areas.
The Minister said that areas, such as Sinthan(Kapran),Razdan Pass(Gurez),Chattragala(Bani), Sadhna Pass (Tangdhar)and Sudhmahadev are the areas where construction of tunnels will help directly in hassle free connectivity which in turn help in giving boost to economic activity in these areas. As the working season in these high reaches is very limited, construction of tunnels for the purpose of connectivity will serve as a big relief.
The Minister demanded release of Rs 30 crore for construction of road network from Srinagar to Sonamarg via Gumri and Rs.80crores for Sinthan-Kokernag road under Central Road Fund (CRF). He also urged for speedy approval to the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) pertaining to many important road projects, awaiting consideration in the Ministry of Surface Transport, under CRF.
Terming land acquisition for construction of road network a major hurdle, Mr Saroori said that adequate funds for land acquisition are needed to be released by Centre so that various road projects are completed in minimum possible time . He demanded release of Rs 704 crore required for land acquisition in widening of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Mr. Saroori urged upon the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to speed up work on the Pathankot-Jammu Express Highway, and demanded for its extension upto the Kashmir Valley in the 2nd phase. The Minister emphasized on ensuring inter-state road connectivity, adding that roads are the primary requirement for developmental. Mr. Saroori demanded construction of a bridge on river Ravi in Basohli area, which will enhance smooth access to the Punjab State.
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