Minister for Forests and Social Welfare, Bali Bhagat today launched blacktopping of 16-km stretch of Jammu- Akhnoor road from Mishriwala-Bawa Talab in Raipur-Domana constituency.After identification of worse affected stretch of total 28 km Jammu-Akhnoor road, 16 kms will be completed on priority in the first phase with an estimated cost of Rs. 5.72 crore whileas the final phase will also be taken up simultaneously.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that up-gradation of road infrastructure is one of the top-most priorities of the Coalition Government and all important roads will be up-graded/blacktopped across the State under a well-knit programme. Highlighting the importance of Jammu-Akhnoor road, he said this vital link between Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch-Srinagar via Mughal road caters huge load of traffic and keeping in view the entire scenario, the Government has already approved this highway for 4-laning, for which the work will start soon after clearing various bottlenecks.
He issued instructions to the engineers to ensure quality of work strictly as per the new specifications, adding that any lapse will attract suitable penalty to the concerned. He said that government has devised latest guidelines for maintaining the newly blacktopped roads for next three years by the concerned contractors; therefore, every care must the taken while executing the works.Responding to the locals, the Minister maintained that all link roads falling under the Raipur-Domana will be blacktopped in phased manner. He said that a comprehensive plan has been devised in this regard and process of tendering has been set in motion. He asked the people to be patient and coordinate with the administration for ensuring holistic development, for which the present government is fully committed.Several prominent leaders including Mr. Omi Khajuria, Corporator and Block President BJP, Bhalwal, Mr. Ved Parkash Sharma and engineers of R&B were present on the occasion.