Rs 166 crore are being spent on the upgradation of seven vital road projects having a cumulative road length of 86 kms and on the construction of three bridges in the Jammu division of the Union Territory under the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).This was revealed in a meeting of Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) here today.Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed presided over the meeting.The meeting reviewed the progress of works under the component-2 of World Bank funded JTFRP.Bachan Lal Bhagat, Director, JKERA Jammu informed that the road projects to be taken up under JTFRP in Jammu Division include the upgradation of 18.29 km Sidhra–Surinsar road, upgradation of 11 km Tutan Di Khuie to Khada- Madana road, upgradation of 10 km Malaini-Chakarbati road, upgradation of 10.15 km Chirala Link road, upgradation of 27 km Gulati to Shahdra Sharief road via Gambir Gali, upgradation of 5 km Devi Mai to Ohli Mandir road and upgradation of 4.25 km Anji-Panasa road. He further informed that the work on four road projects has already been awarded while evaluation process for remaining is underway.The upgradation of these road projects would involve bringing the existing profile to good condition, necessary road drainage, providing the appropriate crust and surface as per design, improving road geometrics of the existing road that would create smooth riding surface, connectivity thus leading to less travel time, saving of fuel and preventing wear and tear to the vehicles.
During the meeting CEO, JKERA/JTFRP was further informed that JTFRP will also be executing the construction of three vital bridges in the remote parts of the Jammu Division which include construction of motorable steel bridge from Katheel Ganjoo to Barsoa over Ghordi Nallah and motorable bridge from Barsoa to Patri over Barmeeen Nallah in Udhampur District, construction of steel decked foot bridge over Anji Nallah at Sukhal Ghati in Reasi District and construction of steel truss bridge over Betar nallah in Poonch District.It was added that the work on the two bridge projects have been awarded while as for remaining finalization for the award of work is in final stages. The bridges on completion will provide all weather and reliable connectivity to the people living in these remote parts of the Union Territory and provide them with the better socio-economic opportunities.CEO, JKERA/JTFRP directed the representatives of the contractors who were also present in the meeting that they should mobilize immediately after lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown and impressed upon the engineers, consultants and contractors to complete the works within agreed timelines and also strictly adhere to the quality parameters.Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed emphasized upon adherence to project timelines and quality of work. During COVID-19 lockdown, the CEO asked the contractors and officials of the JKERA/JTFRP to ensure that all documentations, work plans, designs etc. which require table top exercises be completed so that men and machinery can be mobilized at a short notice once such construction activity are allowed by the Government.