SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting regarding progress on various National Highway projects being executed across J&K. Those who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary, APD; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Secretary, PWD; CE, R&B (Central Kashmir); CE, R&B (Jammu);CE, Beacon; PD, NHAI; Representatives from NHIDCL and other concerned officers while Deputy Commissioners participated in the meeting virtually.

The Chief Secretary impressed upon the DCs to look into the land acquisition and mining issues to ensure that these do not hinder the pace of work anywhere. He enjoined upon the concerned agencies to move their resources in terms of machinery and manpower to ensure that all projects progress at a suitable pace to see their deadlines are met without any fail.

The meeting highlighted significant advancements in critical infrastructure projects managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Sampark and Beacon and the Public Works Department (PWD) Kashmir.

Key NHAI projects reviewed in the meeting included the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and Jammu Ring Road tunnels, with the latter slated for completion by March 31, 2026. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway projects, including the Marog-Digdol tunnel, Digdol-Khuni Nallah section and Makarkot-Sherbibi viaducts, were also assessed.

Besides, the progress on Srinagar Ring Road (Phase-I) was said to be physically completed by 71.50% with an anticipated completion by November 30, 2025. While the work on its Phase-II from Sumbal to Wayul is also apace which is likely to see completion by December, 2026.

The recently awarded projects comprising Srinagar Ring Road Phase-IIA from Manigam to Pandach, Service Road for Domel-Udhampur section of NH-44 were said to be taken up for execution soon. Under the projects executed by NHIDCL, various packages of Jammu-Akhnoor Road (NH-144A) likely to be completed by December 2025 in all respects.

The meeting also discussed the progress on Zojila Tunnel (NH-1 - 30.826 km) and it was informed that 63.87% of the work has been completed, rest of the project is expected to be compled by February 2028. Projects of BRO under Project Sampark that came under review in the meeting included widening of Akhnoor-Poonch (NH-144A) highway re-sectioned into 8 packages with end date of completion set as January 2026.

Similarly, the reviewed BRO projects under Beacon included different sections of NH-1 Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Road, expected to be completed by November 2026. The Chief Secretary also reviewed PWD projects including Pulwama Bypass, Kulgam Bypass, Shopian Bypass on NH and Service Road along NH-44 (Srinagar Bypass).

The meeting also assessed progress on action plan for 19 new projects with a total length of 296 km, to be executed with an estimated cost of Rs 10,637 crore. The notable projects included 4-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora Junction, construction of 4-lane Pantha Chowk Flyover on NH-44, construction of 4-lane Magam Flyover on NH-701A, Panjtarni Tunnel, construction of Pir Ki Gali tunnel and construction of Sadhna tunnel etc.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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