Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar today said Kokernag constituency is set for a massive change as more than Rs 82 crores have been alloted for macadamisation of roads in the area and some of the roads will be the most beautiful in the state.The Minister was speaking during an extensive tour of Kokernag and Shangus Constituency. He was accompanied by MLA Kokernag Abdul Rahim Rather, MlA Shangus Gulzar Wani, VC KVIB Mansoor Hussain, deputy commissioner Anantnag, CE R&B and PMGSY and other officers.The Minister laid the foundation stone for inauguration of work on upgradation of Brakpora-Kanganhal-Chattergul road. The total cost on the 16 km long road will be Rs 19.99 crore and it will benefit around one lakh population. The Minister appealed the people to take charge of their roads by pledging never to allow any encroachments on the roads.Later the Minister inaugurated work on upgradation of Hangalgund-Nagam-Soaf Shali Shutroo road executed under PMGSY. The upgradation of 8km road will cost Rs 9.16 crore project and benefit 60000 souls.
The Minister also inaugurated work on 11 kms old Brengi Canal road being executed under CRF. The Rs 15 crore project will benefit 60000 souls spread over 15 villages. He said that the road would be developed on the pattern of roads in Venice. The Minister said that the road once completed will become one of the most beautiful roads in the state and people will come here just to see and travel the road traversing along fast moving canal.At Ahlan the Minister announced that the 9.1 km main road will be extended by 1.5 kms to include Faatan. He said that it will address the long pending demand of the far flung area. He said that the 3km Cherwood road will be taken for upgradation on priority basis.The Minister said that the government has taken strict measures to ensure adherence to quality of highest standards so that new macadamised roads would be in good condition for years to come.
The Minister appreciated the work being done on the road leading to Achabal and said that other contractors should also follow similar practice. The Minister said that the new roads will greatly lessen the traffic pressure on the main highway and it will have indirect benefit to entire South Kashmir. The Minister said that more than Rs 80 crore will be spent on the macadamisation of roads in the area and in the next two to three years, entire scenario of road network will be changed.The Minister also visited Vailoo where he took stock of work going on the roads. He said that once the DPR for construction of Vailoo tunnel will be completed, the tendering and ground work will be expedited. He said that the tunnel will be a game changer for the entire Kashmir and Pir Panchal division and Chief Minister has kept the project on top of her priorities.The Minister also listened to various issues raised by delegation of people at various locations and assured them that government will redress all the problems faced by the people.