Rs. 200 crore announced for 100% macadamization of roads in J&K

SRINAGAR — To a great relief for the people suffering of poor road connectivity and condition of roads, Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor G C Murmu on Thursday announced a project plan of Rs. 200 crores, for macadamization of roads in Jammu and Kashmir.

The announcement comes after the self survey of road condition by the LG Murmu of many areas of the Union Territory (UT) and the complaints he received during such visits from the people about the poor condition of roads.

It was during his public outreach programme that people expressed their grievances regarding the bad condition of roads at a large scale that induced him to announce 100% macadamization of roads in the UT, sources said.

Reports have suggested that following a detailed discussion with his Advisors, the Lieutenant Governor approved a program for 100% macadamisation of all roads in J&K including 11,000 kms of fair-weather roads.

A Committee comprising of the Financial Commissioner (Finance), Principal Secretary (PW – R&B), Secretary (Planning) and Secretary (Rural Development) has been constituted which will prepare a roadmap and a financing plan for ensuring 100% macadamisation of all roads in Jammu & Kashmir in a time bound manner. The Committee has been directed to submit its report by 10.08.2020.

Pending the receipt of report, the Lieutenant Governor announced a release of Rs 200 crores to the Public Works Department as the first tranche so that the macadamization works on priority roads can commence.

Prioritization of roads for macadamization work will be done by a Committee at the District level, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner with the Executive Engineer, PWD and ACD as its members.

The prioritization criteria will include, when a road was last macadamized, whether it was part of the grievances presented before Lieutenant Governor during his outreach tours, the present quality of the road and other similar factors.