Continuing with the initiatives for the creation, upgradation and expansion of civic amenities in Katra and its surrounding areas, on the directions of Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the CEO, Sh. Umang Narula, has taken up three more development works in Katra which involve an expenditure of over Rs. 107 lakh.The new works being taken up include the renovation and upgradation of the road from Shalimar Park to Ward No. 8 Hansali, costing Rs. 46.50 lakh, which will enable the completion of the entire road stretch from Bhumika Mandir to Shalimar Park via Hansali and help in decongesting traffic of the main road from Fountain Chowk towards Darshani Deodi. It is pertinent to mention that the Shrine Board has already completed the construction of the Circular Road from Hansali to Panthal Road (via Bhumika Mandir), at a cost of Rs. 119 lakh.Another major work being taken up by the Board on the demand of residents of Ward No. 3, Katra, is the renovation and upgradation of Arli Road from Saraswati Chowk to Nangal Road Chowk, Katra. This project, costing Rs. 50 lakh, includes black-topping, remodelling of drains, construction of ducts for passage of civic utilities and illumination by LED lamps, and shall provide the shortest route to the pilgrims travelling from Railway Station to Bus Stand, Katra, besides great convenience to the locals.
The Board has also taken up upgradation of a link road from the main road near Shrine Board’s Central Office to New Bus Stand which will provide smooth connectivity to the inhabitants of the locality.The work on renovation of lanes and drains from Matyal Petrol Pump on Panthal Road to Darshani Deodi, Katra, at a cost of Rs. 30.56 lakh, is also progressing speedily. Besides facilitating the local population, the renovation of this lane will provide a direct link to the pilgrims from Railway Station to Darshani Deodi.Governor also reviewed the status of earlier civic amenities works, earlier taken up, with Sh. Anshul Garg, Additional CEO, who informed that works costing Rs. 248 lakh have been completed in Katra town. Besides, the aforesaid Bhumika Mandir-Hansali Circular Road, these works include installation of new railing on the Central Verge of the road leading to the Railway Stations, installing dual lamp LED street lights; providing equipment for the Children Playground at Shalimar Park, Katra.The Board has also completed development works in Sira-Kakryal and its neighbourhood, valuing Rs. 298 lakh, which include installation of 6 Stainless Steel Bus Stops; 40 LED Solar Street Lights on Manthal-Kakryal and Domel-Kakryal Roads; landscaping and plantation work. The works completed in Sira Colony include pavement of lanes, construction of footpaths and drains and installation of street lights; providing additional accommodation and other facilities in Primary School Sira Colony and construction of a Conference Hall at Sira Colony.