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| Azad writes to PM Modi, on dilapidated condition of Jammu-Srinagar NH | | |
Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu April 30: Distressed over the pathetic condition of Jammu-Srinagar
and Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway, former Chief Minister
and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has
sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narindra Modi to
safeguard the lives of the thousands of the commuters traveling on
these two prestigious National Highways of the state connecting
population of nearly 80 lacs with the rest of the country.
In a three page letter to Prime Minister Narindra Modi, the copy of which is available with “Early Times”,
senior Congress leader not only highlighted the pathetic condition of
the two prestigious National Highways of the state, but also highlighted
the strategic importance of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway
keeping in view troops deployment all along China and Pakistan border
in Ladakh and other parts of the Kashmir valley as Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway is the only lifeline and road connectivity to key
strategic defense locations of Ladakh.
Azad further stated in his letter that people of three and a half
Districts of Chenab Valley, in addition to Udhampur and Reasi
Districts are also dependent on this very highway for commuting and
transportation of goods and supplies.
In his letter Azad regretted to PM Modi that; due attention to its
proper upkeep and maintenance is not being paid which has multiplied
the woes and miseries of the people of the State.
“The journey has turned highly risky and the rate of road accidents
has soared to unusually higher levels--- Traffic jams have become
order of the day and travelling time has increased manifold on this
road” stated Azad.
Highlighting the importance of roads for tourism, Azad brought into
the notice of PM Modi that tourism and trade are getting badly
affected by the ramshackle and rundown condition of the national
highway. Similar is the condition of National Highway NH1B from Batote
to District Doda and Kishtwar--- what used to be a fascinating
experience once has now become no less than an ordeal.
“You (PM Modi) may also be aware that realizing the inadequacy of the
existing national highway, manifold increase in the vehicular traffic
and the difficulties of the people of the State, UPA Government had
approved the four-laning of the existing Jammu-Srinagar National
Highway NH-1A---It is gratifying to note that Jammu- Udhampur stretch
is almost complete and is already in use of the commuters. Journey on
this portion has become an enjoyable experience” stated Azad’s letter,
added that smilarly, the two very long tunnels at Banihal-Qazigund and
Chenani-Nashri are also at advanced stages of construction" and
hopefully will be completed in near future which will ultimately
shorten the- distance significantly as also avoid accident-prone and
inhospitable terrain near Patnitop ridge and Banihal pass
respectively.
“Although the upgradation of certain parts of Jammu-Srinagar Highway
has progressed at a satisfactory pace, however, there are other
stretches where the progress has been sluggish due to variety of
reasons. Work on the Srinagar- Qazigund stretch, supposedly the
easiest part in comparison to the otherwise rugged terrain of Jammu &
Kashmir, has been progressing very slowly. Probably the contractor has
not exhibited desired keenness and interest to execute the work”
stated Azad letter. He stated that the slide-prone and treacherous
portion between Batote to Banihal is yet to be taken up due to reasons
like inappropriate alignment, inaccurate estimation, non-awarding of
contract, etc.
Hoping for positive response from Prime Minister Narindra Modi, Azad
in his letter stated that “I would like to highlight that this is an
accident-prone and difficult stretch of the National Highway which is
primarily responsible for the road blocks and traffic jams on Jammu-
Srinagar Highway, in addition to loss of precious human lives---As the
matter is causing grave annoyance to the commuters, besides severely
impacting the credibility of Jammu & Kashmir as a reputed tourist
destination, I hope you will lend attention to the matter that it
deserves to facilitate smooth and hassle-free journey of the people”.
While suggesting the long-term and permanent solution to the problems
faced by commuters as well as the people of the State, Azad urged the
Prime Minister for early completion of the ongoing four-laning
project, beside short run proper maintenance and upkeep of the
existing National Highway can bring huge respite for the
commuters/tourists as well as lacs of people living in Kashmir Valley
and Ladakh region.
Azad hoped that with kind indulgence, Prime Minister will direct the
concerned for taking urgent steps to ensure proper maintenance and
upkeep of the existing National Highway NH1A, as also expedite the
pace of execution on all the six packages relating to its four-lanning. |
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