Mahore (Reasi), Nov 18 (KNS): Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar today stressed on the officers of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to remove bottlenecks and expedite the construction work of 68 km long main road from Reasi to Mahore.
The Minister issued these directions while reviewing the progress of road projects being executed under various schemes in Mahore.
Commissioner Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi Prasanna Ramaswamy G, Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) Jammu, Sudheer Shah, Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Udhampur Circle N.D Khwaja and other senior officers of BRO, JKPCC, PWD(R&B) and district administration were present in the meeting.
It was informed in the meeting that earthwork and protection work on sides of the road has been completed to a large extent but the encroachments on both sides of the road are creating hindrances in the execution of works. The GREF officers informed that Kanthan to Arnas road would be completed by March, 2019.
The Minister directed DC, Reasi to identify accident prone spots on the road and get them repaired immediately to reduce risk of losing precious lives.
The Minister directed for expediting the work on two bridges including Shatoor Bridge and bridge on Bhal to Shivrass road that connect Mahore with Gulabgarh.
Taking stock of the extent of work done in construction of Mahore Bus Stand, the Minister said the quality of work should not be compromised and project be completed within the fixed timeline. It was informed the earthwork of its approach road and platform is being done at the cost of Rs 8 lakh and would be completed by the end of this year.
The Minister directed the officers to prepare a dossier of performance of contractors in Mahore and action be initiated against those who cause indiscriminate delays to the projects. He asked the department to complete the requisite formalities for taking up two new road projects in the area including Deval to Gulabgarh and Baddar to Adves via Kashi.
In the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary directed the officers to make payments only after conducting videography of the completed projects and following proper procedures of test checks of roads.
During his tour to Mahore Sub-Division in Reasi, the Minister inspected the ongoing work of Kouri Bridge on river Chenab and directed DC, Reasi to take up the issue of engagement of local youth in the project with the Railways.
He also inspected the 6 km long Matlote-Pattian road constructed at the cost of Rs. 417 lakh under NABARD and ongoing work of approach road to Dharmari. The Minister called for timely completion of prestigious Nau Devian to Reasi NH-144 project.
The Minister also interacted with the locals who raised various issues related to shortage of staff in hospital and educational institutions to which the Minister assured them that these issues will be taken with the concerned departments and sorted out soon. (KNS)