Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today visited Suchetgarh and reviewed the pace of developmental and facilitation works being carried out to make the place an acclaimed attraction for border tourism.Mehbooba Mufti during her visit to zero point reviewed component wise the execution of the Rs. 4.92 crore project to give border tourism in the area a boost. She was informed that a multipurpose hall with souvenir shops and cafeteria is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 90 lacs and is scheduled to be completed by early next year.Also, the Chief Minister was informed that the pre independence Railway platform is being restored and developed in Frontier Express theme and museum form. The project is expected to cost Rs. 1.50 crore and shall be completed by early 2019. This feature is expected to add heritage and historic value to the place and enhance tourist footfall by a great measure.Among other facilities being added at the place include a tourist parking lot costing Rs. 60 lakhs, rain water harvesting project, landscaping and plantation project costing Rs. 1.35 crore to be completed by early 2019.
Mehbooba Mufti directed the Tourism Department and other related agencies to complete the works within schedule so that with these facilities more tourists are persuaded to visit the place.The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu informed the Chief Minister that road network from R S Pura to Suchetgarh is being further improved by BRO at a cost of Rs. 20 crore which would minimize the time of travel to the place and also make the road much more comfortable.The Chief Minister directed the divisional administration to explore the possibilities of starting ceremonial parade at the zero point so that the place attracts tourists like at Wagah-Attari point.Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Choudhary; Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi; Vice Chairman, SC Board, Bhushan Dogra; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, M K Bhandari; Secretary, Tourism, M H Malik; IGP Jammu zone, SDS Jamwal; Director, Tourism, Jammu, Smita Sethi; officers of Tourism Department and divisional administration accompanied the Chief Minister during her tour.Enroute, people in large numbers greeted the Chief Minister and brought their day to day issues into her notice. She issued on spot directions for the redressal of the same.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the historic Raghunath Bazaar here to inspect the pace of conservation and beautification works. She was received warmly by the members of trade associations and shopkeepers who thanked her for restoring the glory of this historic market.So far Rs. 5. 19 crore have been incurred on developing and restoring various heritage facets on the two sides of the market.Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi; legislators, Rajesh Gupta and Ajatshatru Singh; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, M K Bhandari; Secretary, Tourism, M H Malik; IGP Jammu zone, SDS Jamwal; officers of Tourism Department and divisional administration accompanied Mehbooba Mufti.Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the historic Raghunath temple and went round its various sections.Chairman of the Managing Committee of the temple and former Chief Secretary, B R Kundal briefed the Chief Minister about the history of the temple complex.