• Stresses speedy execution, completion by March–April 2026

JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inspected the ongoing work on the Rs. 119 crore Pargwal Bridge project in Akhnoor. The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Rajesh Gupta, and senior officers of the concerned departments.

During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for accelerating work from both ends of the bridge to ensure its timely completion. He said that construction of the 1,640-metre bridge over the Chenab River is a vital project that will provide improved connectivity to over one lakh residents of Pargwal, Jourian, Khour Palanwalla and other adjacent areas. He added that the project will also link the two native constituencies of Chamb and Akhnoor, facilitating easier access to markets, healthcare facilities and educational institutions for local communities.

The bridge, located close to the LoC/International Border, will also serve as a crucial lifeline for the border population. Reviewing the ongoing crate work, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised the need to maintain high quality standards to ensure durable flood protection along the bunds on both sides of the bridge. He directed the executing agency to mobilise additional manpower and machinery and to carry out work in double shifts to ensure completion of the Bridge project by March–April 2026.

“No delays shall be tolerated on this vital bridge project,” he said, while asserting that hovernment is keenly watching completion of all road and bridge projects. The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed on the fast execution of the 3.6 km approach road across Sajwal (Pargwal–Indri Pattan) in Jourian. He assured that necessary patchwork on the road leading to Pargwal will be completed before its widening is taken up by the BRO.

He informed that out of the allotted Rs. 119 crore, Rs. 80 crore have already been released to the concerned agency to ensure unhindered and faster work execution. During the tour, several public deputations met the Deputy Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for his close monitoring of the project. They also raised various local issues and demands. The Deputy Chief Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured that all their genuine concerns would be addressed appropriately.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  Read the message here