Choudhary Reviews Progress of National Highway Projects, Calls for Quality and Timely Execution
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the progress of ongoing and upcoming National Highway projects across the Jammu region.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary PWD, Anil Kumar Singh; Engineer-in-Chief PW(R&B); Director Geology and Mining; Regional Officer NHAI J&K; Chief Engineer Project SAMPARK; Regional Officer MoRTH Jammu; Executive Directors NHIDCL Jammu and Srinagar; and Chief Engineer PWD Zone Pir Panjal, among other senior engineers and officers.
During the review, the Deputy Chief Minister took a detailed appraisal of the projects being implemented by central agencies including NHAI, NHIDCL, and Project SAMPARK. Officials provided updates on physical and financial progress, land acquisition, DPR approvals, utility shifting, and inter-departmental coordination.
Projects reviewed included Lakhanpur–Srinagar (NH-44), Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway (NH-5), Jammu Ring Road (NH-244A), Srinagar Ring Road (Phase-I, II & IIA), Chenani–Patnitop–Nashri (Old Alignment) NH-244, Jammu–Akhnoor (NH-44), Chenani–Sudhmahadev, Goha–Khellani, and Chatroo–Khanabal (NH-244A).
It was informed that 37 projects under NHAI, 8 under Project SAMPARK, and 14 under NHIDCL are currently at various stages of execution in the Jammu province, while several have already been completed.
While expressing satisfaction over the progress of certain works, Choudhary stressed the need to accelerate all ongoing projects to ensure timely completion. He directed all executing agencies to strictly adhere to project timelines and maintain the highest standards of design and construction quality.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, he said that improved connectivity will promote balanced regional development.
Reviewing the Mangam–Dodhpathri–Shopian–Surankote section of NH-701A, being executed by Project SAMPARK, the Deputy Chief Minister directed concerned officials to expedite the remaining works and resolve pending issues related to DPR modifications and Treasury releases.
He further emphasized the need to fast-track work on roads, tunnels, and bridge components under all highway projects, ensuring early completion.
The meeting also reviewed the Srinagar Ring Road Phase-IIA project (Manigam to Pandach), where Choudhary directed authorities to expedite compensation disbursement to prevent delays.
Highlighting the importance of close coordination among PW(R&B), NHAI, NHIDCL, and MoRTH, he urged officers to proactively identify and address field-level bottlenecks through effective inter-agency collaboration.
Choudhary underscored that expansion and upgradation of national highways would not only enhance connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir but also serve as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and socio-economic growth in the Union Territory.
He also reviewed restoration works of roads, bridges, and other connectivity infrastructure in Jammu, instructing officials to ensure their speedy completion for public convenience.
Appreciating the efforts of engineers and field officers, the Deputy Chief Minister urged them to redouble their commitment to achieving efficiency, accountability, and excellence in execution.
