JAMMU: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of major highway and road development projects being executed across Jammu & Kashmir by Project Beacon, Project Sampark, NHAI, NHIDCL, and the Public Works (R&B) Department.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary Transport; Engineer-in-Chief (Works); Regional Officer, NHAI; Chief Engineers of Project Beacon and Project Sampark and other senior officers. All Deputy Commissioners participated through video conferencing.

The Chief Secretary took a project-wise and package-wise assessment of progress on all major highways under execution across the UT. He sought detailed timelines for completion and enquired about bottlenecks faced by the executing agencies.

He directed that permissions for extraction of construction material must be strictly ensured and used only for the designated projects. Deputy Commissioners were instructed to expedite compensation cases and ensure timely disbursement to facilitate immediate handover of land to executing agencies for simultaneous work on all project packages. He also called for prompt grant of forest clearances wherever required.

Both Divisional Commissioners were asked to regularly engage with the implementing agencies to resolve issues without delay and maintain the momentum of work. The Chief Secretary emphasised that while the administration would facilitate all necessary support, the agencies must adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines. The Public Works Department was asked to finalise and follow the new DPRs under formulation so that these crucial projects can move swiftly to the tendering and execution stages.

A comprehensive review was held on several flagship road corridors, including Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri Road, Khanabal–Baltal Road, Alignment fixing for Peer ki Gali and Sadhna Tunnels, Akhnoor–Poonch Road (completion status), Dredging permissions for NH-144A, Mangam–Doodhpathri–Shopian-Poonch Road, Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, Kaluchak–Purmandal–Domel Road, Fourth Tawi Bridge, Jammu.

The Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on expediting works along NH-44, including Tunnel projects. He reviewed the progress of Nashri–Chenani road via Patnitop, Marog–Digdol Tunnel, Digdol to Khuni Nallah Tunnel, Makarkot to Sherbibi Tunnel, Black topping of Banihal to Ramban stretch before December end was specially being emphasis upon. The Divisional Commissioner Jammu was directed to monitor these works closely and furnish regular progress reports.

The meeting noted the progress on both metropolitan ring roads including that of Jammu and Srinagar Ring Road projects. Review covered land issues, construction progress, and connectivity requirements. Detailed discussions were held on the completion of tunnel in Jammu and connectivity of Srinagar Ring Road to the Airport and from Sumbal to Wayil, with directions for accelerating the pace of execution.

The Chief Secretary assessed multiple NHIDCL projects including Highway works on Jammu–Akhnoor Road, Improvement of riding surface from Bhagwati Chowk to Canal Head (Jammu), Chenani–Sudhmahadev Road, Goha–Khellani Road, Khellani–Khanabal stretch, Zojila Tunnel and revised DPRs under consideration

The meeting also reviewed new DPRs under consideration in NHAI, including New Fourth Tawi Bridge, Phase-II of Jammu Ring Road, Six-laning of Chenani–Nashri Tunnel, Srinagar Ring Road Phase III, Sumbal–Bandipora–Gurez Road, Service road on Srinagar–Qazigund Highway, Kathua–Basholi–Bani–Bafliaz–Doda Road and many others in the length and breadth of J&K.

Progress of key R&B projects was also assessed, including Bypasses for Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian towns, Sanat Nagar Flyover, Service road at Tengpora, Bridges at Chanapora and Tengpora. New projects discussed includedParimpora–Shalteng Flyover, Old Padshahibagh Bridge,Lal Chowk–Parimpora Flyover and dozens of other connectivity projects.

The Chief Secretary reiterated that all these projects are vital for improving mobility, economic growth, and regional connectivity across Jammu & Kashmir. He directed all departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure timely completion of every package and removal of all impediments at the earliest.

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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