JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here today, to review the progress of ongoing and upcoming National Highway projects across Jammu region.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Anil Kumar Singh; Engineer-in-Chief PW(R&B), Director Geology and Mining, Regional Officer NHAI J&K, Chief Engineer Project SAMPARK, Regional Officer MoRTH Jammu, Executive Directors NHIDCL Jammu and Srinagar, and Chief Engineer PWD Zone Pir Panjal, besides senior engineers and officers of the department.

During the review, the Deputy Chief Minister took a comprehensive assessment of projects being implemented by various central agencies like NHAI, NHIDCL, and Project SAMPARK. The officers presented detailed updates on the physical and financial progress of projects, issues related to land acquisition, DPR approvals, utility shifting, and inter-departmental coordination.

The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed projects including Lakhanpur-Srinagar (NH-44), Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NH-5), Jammu Ring Road (NH-244A), Srinagar Ring Road (Phase-I, I1 & IIA), Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri (Old Alignment) NH-244, Jammu-Akhnoor (NH-44) and Chenani-Sudhmahadev, Goha-Khellani, and Chatroo-Khanabal (NH-244A).

It was Informed that a total of 37 projects under NHAI, 8 under Project SAMPARK, and 14 under NHIDCL Jammu are presently under different stages of execution in the Jammu province, while several others have already been completed.  The Deputy Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the pace of certain works but emphasized the need to expedite all ongoing projects to ensure their timely completion.

He directed all executing agencies to  strictly adhere   the set timelines and maintain the highest standards of design and construction quality. He reiterated that the Government is fully committed to upgrading the road infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring smooth connectivity and promoting regional development.

While reviewing the status of the Mangam-Dodhpathri-Shopian–Surankote section of NH-701A, being executed by Project SAMPARK, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed the concerned agencies to expedite the remaining works and resolve issues related to DPR modifications and Treasury releases at the earliest.

He asserted that work on all roads, tunnels and bridge projects be expedited across all highway projects to ensure timely completion of these projects. The meeting also discussed the Srinagar Ring Road Phase-IIA project from Manigam to Pandach, directing the concerned to fast-track compensation processes to avoid delays in execution.

He further underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination between PW(R&B), NHAI, NHIDCL, and MoRTH for overcoming procedural bottlenecks. He instructed officers to adopt a proactive approach in identifying field-level issues and resolving them promptly in consultation with the concerned departments. Deputy Chief Minister stated that the expansion and upgradation of national highways will not only strengthen connectivity within Jammu and Kashmir but also boost trade, tourism, and socio-economic growth in the Union Territory.

The Deputy Chief Minister also took detailed assessment of restoration work of roads, bridges and other connectivity in Jammu. He called upon concerned to ensure speedy restoration of all affected infrastructure for public convenience. He appreciated the efforts of engineers and field officers while urging them to redouble their efforts in delivering results that reflect efficiency, accountability, and excellence in execution.

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
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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