Foundation stone laid in Dec 2016, ISBT Kathua still incomplete | Rs 17 cr sanctioned, only 2 cr released | | Early Times Report
Jammu, June 1: The much-awaited Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Kathua, whose foundation stone was laid in December 2016, is still incomplete. The Department of Urban Development had announced an ISBT for district Kathua in December 2016. The Rs 17 crore project was to be completed in April 2017. The foundation stone by then Urban Development Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, and the department has released only Rs 2 crore so far. "The department had announced that the project would be completed in two phases. In first phase, the shingling and metalling would be taken up. The remaining ones including execution of construction of passenger shed, booking office, public convenience complex and hall would be carried out under second phase," said sources. "But ironically, the department has completed only first phase work, that too by March 2017," said the sources. They said the inordinate delay on part of department to release sufficient funds has been hampering the pace of the project. "After completion of phase-I, the department has now started the construction of shopping complex, booking counter and passenger shed which comes under phase-II, but its Detailed Project Report is yet to be finalised by department so far," said the sources. They said the local MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents the Kathua assembly segment, had raised the question of incomplete ISBT Kathua in District Development Board meeting of 2017 and at the floor of Assembly during Budget Session 2017. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had decided the seed money should be provided immediately for the purpose and also directed the then Principal Secretary to Government P&DD and Commission Secretary to Transport to look into the matter and take necessary action to complete the project. "Unfortunately, after lapse of sufficient time, the project is still incomplete and has been delayed due to apathy of babus who are at the helm of affairs", said the sources. |
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