Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary today directed PWD (R&B) to expedite the pace of blacktopping work, construction of new roads and bridges taken up by the department under NABARD, CRF and BADP in border areas.These instructions were issued by the Minister while chairing a meeting of PWD(R&B) and concerned contractors in Jammu.The meeting informed that work on near about dozen border roads has been taken up by the department and would be completed within the specified time frame.It was informed that the work is in full swing on Badyal Quazian to Baje Chak road, Chak Mohammad Yard to Dewangarh, Pindi Sarochan to Sai Kalan, Gharana to Badyal Quazian, RS Pura to Chakrohi, Chakrohi to Jora Farm, link road to Kangdair, PHC Sai Pul to Mulla Chak Devigarh, Dhera Camp to Magowali Sai, Katyal to Basti Prem Nagar and Dablehar to Kothey SlochanThe Minister directed the Chief Engineer PWD(R&B), Jammu to ensure that contractors don’t abandon work halfway depriving the public of the benefits. The quality of work should be maintained and the projects should be completed within the set deadline, he added.The Minister further asked the contractors to work with dedication and play their part in the development of the state by creation of durable road infrastructure. He also called them to engage local skilled and unskilled labour for execution of the work.The Minister said that it is the priority of the government to improve and expand road network, especially in rural and border areas. “For this, the officers of the department should work in synergy with contractors and those associated with the construction work of roads in the state”.Chief Engineer PWD(R&B), Jammu Alok Mengi was also present in the meeting.