Secretary, Public Works Department (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar, today conducted a comprehensive inspection of ongoing infrastructure development works in the district being executed by PWD on Domail-Katra-Reasi-Pauni-Bamla road (NH-144).
Pertinently, PWD has taken up road safety, protection and riding surface improvement works on the NH, as sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.The Secretary directed the PWD engineers to complete the sanctioned works by March 2024 as this road is lifeline for Reasi district which is being used by the devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khouri shrines.
Bhupinder Kumar was informed that initial 15 Km of the NH is with NHAI for development as part of Delhi Amritsar Katra expressway project while the 4 lane work has been started and scheduled to be completed by June 2025.
The Secretary also visited the site of Circular Road in Katra, where part of road had developed cracks and collapsed in September 2023 due to monsoon rains. He was informed that the construction of counter fort retaining wall taken up at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore shall be completed in March 2024 restoring the traffic through the road.
Bhupinder Kumar further inspected the upgradation works in Nau Deviyan to Reasi stretch of the road and emphasized completion of the road work strictly as per the fixed project timelines. He also directed the concerned to resume blacktopping works on the road with improvement in weather.
During the inspection, he also visited the site of 250-meter-long slope protection work at Anji Baradari, which will permanently secure the sliding zone and restore ROW of the NH.At the site of under construction bridge at Bhaga, ADC Reasi and Executive Engineer R&B Reasi were directed by the Sceretary to resolve the land dispute and resume the work within a month’s time.
He also directed for timely completion of rigid pavement stretches taken up at Bhaga and other locations on the road.Expressing his commitment towards ensuring improved infrastructure and better communication facilities to the residents of Reasi, the Secretary reiterated the need for continued diligence and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Chief Engineer Pir Panjal, Anil Pandohi, Director Planning PWD, Sheikh Shavaiz, ADC Reasi, Abdul Satar, SE R&B Circle Reasi, Romesh Kumar, Executive Engineer Reasi, Rajesh Sharma, Executive Engineer Katra, Shakti K. Raina and other officers accompanied the Secretary during the inspection tour.