With the start of work on the upgradation of 18.30 km long Sidhra-Suransar road project, Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project(JTFRP) funded by the World Bank has started work on various infrastructure projects across the Jammu Division.The work on the project was today formally kick started in presence of Chief Executive Officer, JKERA/JTFRP, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, who last week during a meeting had directed the engineers and contractors to start work on the road and bridge projects in Jammu Division after guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and J&K Union Territory administration for resumption of developmental activities while following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as stipulated in guidelines.On the occasion, it was informed that work on the sub-project is estimated to cost Rs 16.70 crores and will be further strengthened by laying of flexible pavement which will comprise 04 layers of 30 mm Bituminous Concrete, 70 mm Dense Bituminous Macadam, 150 mm Wet Mix Macadam and Granular sub-base (G-II) 200mm.
He said other components of the road upgradation include construction of six pipe culverts, 1084 metres of breast wall, 652 metres of lined drain, 2800 metres of crash barriers and 833 metres of parapet.Dr. Abid directed the engineers and contractors to ensure that the work be completed within the stipulated timeline of 12 months to prevent cost overruns on the project and also directed that all SOPs like social distancing and health and hygiene measures be strictly implemented during execution of the work for prevention against the COVID-19 Pandemic.The upgradation of Sidhra –Surinsar road project will benefit 5 lacs people living in the area as it would give a boost to tourism in the region by reducing the travel time to the famous tourist destinations of Surinsar and Mansar in Jammu division which are visited by thousands of tourists every. This would usher in a new era of socio-economic development in the region besides providing the people of the region with better access to education, health and employment opportunities.JTFRP is spending Rs 166 crore on the construction of various road and bridges across Jammu region.