Srinagar, June 20: Member of Parliament (MP) Anantnag-Rajouri, Mian Altaf Ahmad has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work and dilapidated road conditions of the strategic Jammu-Poonch highway.
In a statement issued here, he has sought immediate attention of the concerned authorities responsible for the maintenance and construction of the road projects along Jammu- Poonch Highway.
“The vital 240 km long Jammu-Poonch highway is in dilapidated condition causing inconvenience to the public. The slow pace of work on this important project has marred the purpose of this strategic important road project,” Mian Altaf said.
Highlighting the importance of Rajouri–Thanamandi–Bafliaz road, the MP said that this road is very important from strategic point of view and it also connects Srinagar with Jammu and various areas of twin border districts with rest of the J&K but the road is in dilapidated condition and special attention needs to be paid by BRO towards it. The Lok Sabha Member said that immediate resurfacing and maintenance of Rajouri-Thanamandi–Bafliaz road is required to mitigate the extreme public inconvenience. He said that lakhs of pilgrims visit the holy shrine Shahdra Sharief and this unmaintained road is a serious inconvenience to visitors.
Mian Altaf said that After completion of the vital road project, the time travel between Jammu and Poonch will be reduced by almost half from the present eight hours. The completion of the road project and the four tunnels will provide all weather connectivity and provide a safe journey to the people, he said.
The MP said that a couple of tunnels coming up on this highway and the pace of work needs to be expedited so that the work is completed and people will have a sigh of relief. ” Nowshehra-Rajouri Road stretch, Rajouri- Manjakot and Rajouri-Thanamandi roads are also in bad condition and need immediate maintenance and upgradation. The administration and concerned agencies should work on fast pace so that the road infrastructure in these areas are better, “he said.
Mian Altaf said that he will also take up the issue with the Union Defence Minister Rajnth Singh.