Deputy CM Choudhary Reviews Restoration of Flood-Damaged Road Infrastructure in J&K
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a detailed meeting to review the restoration of road infrastructure, including National Highways and critical roads across Jammu & Kashmir, damaged in the recent floods.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary PW(R&B), Chief Engineers of all PWD wings, Superintending and Executive Engineers, RO NHAI, Chief Engineers of BEACON and SAMPARK Projects, NHIDCL officials, and other concerned officers.
During the review, the Principal Secretary PWD presented an overview of the road network maintained by various agencies. It was reported that out of a total road length of 42,000 km, approximately 12,000 km were damaged due to recent floods and flash floods. The department has deployed men and machinery on a war footing for temporary restoration of connectivity.
The RO NHAI informed that NH44 has suffered significant damage on the Udhampur-Ramban stretch, which is expected to be restored by this evening. Traffic on the Dhar-Udhampur stretch will be allowed one-way by tomorrow. Out of 105 bridges on NH44, three had sustained damage and have now been restored.
Taking serious note of the Seri-Kath Bridge collapse in Kathua, the Deputy CM directed NHAI to investigate the reason behind the failure despite its recent construction and ordered a structural and design audit of all bridges built by the agency.
The Deputy CM further directed all departments to coordinate closely for the immediate restoration of damaged infrastructure. The Chief Engineer SAMPARK Jammu reported that roads including Rajouri-Thannamandi, Surankote, Reasi-Arnas-Mahore, Rajouri-Kandi-Budhal, Pouni-Sair Rajouri, Beeri-Pethan, Jhulas, and Akhnoor-Poonch have been restored. Work on Budhal-Mahore-Gul Road, currently blocked, is expected to be completed within a week.
The status of Kishtwar-Chastoi, Doda-Kishtwar, and Kishtwar-Sintan roads was also reviewed. Engineers from PWD and NHIDCL confirmed that temporary restoration has been carried out on most roads, with work continuing on remaining stretches.
The Principal Secretary PW(R&B) assured that all critical and strategic links are being restored to ensure uninterrupted traffic. The Deputy CM also assessed restoration efforts in South Kashmir, where roads have been temporarily restored for vehicular movement, though Vailloo reports major damage to five roads and three culverts. CE and SE were directed to inspect the sites, implement remedial measures, and submit reports to the administrative department.
Considering the extensive flood damage, the Deputy CM instructed NHAI to conduct scientific safety audits of all bridges, including their design and alignment, to preserve the eco-fragile nature of the mountainous regions. He emphasized meeting restoration targets within deadlines, with strict action, including blacklisting, against negligent contractors or executing agencies.
He stressed that all agencies, including BRO and National Highways, maintain quality and standards as per norms, avoid sub-letting major contracts, and noted that any deviations will attract strict consequences.
The Deputy CM underlined the importance of smooth and immediate road connectivity across J&K to ensure free movement of people, goods, and services, emphasizing that the R&B department is the frontline responder in natural calamities, enabling other essential services to reach affected areas.
