Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh along with Deputy Chief Minister Jammu & Kashmir, Surinder Chowdhary, today laid foundation stone for construction of a 135-meter span double-lane motorable bridge on the Majalta link road over Gambhir Nallah in Udhampur district.
The project to be raised with an estimated cost of Rs. 1903.46 lakh is aimed at enhancing the regional connectivity. While addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated the residents on fulfillment of their long-pending demand for a motorable bridge.
He emphasized that the bridge would serve as a crucial 'Setu' (link) for the region and directed the concerned authorities to ensure its timely completion. Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the Government of India's commitment towards enhancing the quality of life for citizens through improved service delivery and infrastructure development.
Highlighting the importance of the new bridge, he observed that it would reduce travel distances by 1.5 km, significantly easing the daily commuting challenges for the local population. The Union Minister shed light on various government schemes like PM Vishwakarma and the Mudra Scheme, urging the youth to take full advantage of these initiatives.
Speaking about Mantalai, he mentioned about development of a world-class Art Centre and a helipad, encouraging the youth to contribute towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047.
The Union Minister also highlighted major achievements in education and healthcare recorded over the past five years under the Modi government. These included sanctioning of three Medical Colleges in Udhampur, Kathua and Doda, establishment of an Engineering College in Kathua, opening of a Degree College and Ayurvedic College in Kishtwar
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Centre Government especially Dr. Jitendra Singh for sanctioning the bridge under NABARD funding. He reaffirmed the J&K Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister towards resolving day-to-day issues faced by the people.
He assured full cooperation from the J&K government to all stakeholders in addressing the public grievances. Emphasizing quality and timeliness in construction, he directed the executing agencies to ensure the highest construction standards and encouraged vigilant monitoring. He urged the public to report any discrepancies in construction quality.
The Dy CM appealed to the people to remain vigilant against drug abuse and play an active role in preventing youth from falling prey to substance abuse. Later, Dr. Jitendra Singh held a public outreach camp at Government Model Higher Secondary School, Majalta, where he listened to the grievances and demands of former PRI members and local residents of the area.
These included widening of dhar road, restoration of statehood, establishment of a Trauma Centre, setting up an Industrial Estate, construction of dhar road as a four-lane highway, inclusion of Government Higher Secondary School in PM SHRI scheme, combating the drug abuse in the area.
Responding to these demands, the Union Minister assured prompt action and reiterated the government's dedication towards bridging developmental gaps in remote areas. During the program, MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, also addressed the gathering and projected several developmental demands.
These included upgradation of Primary Health Centre, establishment of an Accidental Hospital in Majalta, implementation of Lift Irrigation System, declaration of Bani-Basoli-Udhampur road as a National Highway and establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya School etc.
The event was attended by DDC Chairperson Udhampur, Lal Chand, MLA Ramnagar, Sunil Bhardwaj, Chief Engineer PWD, Senior Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner, DDC Member Majalta, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Development and other officers, former PRI members, representatives of various political parties and general public of the area.