Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing restoration of road infrastructure, including National Highways and critical roads across Jammu & Kashmir, damaged in the recent floods.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary PW(R&B), Chief Engineers of various PWD wings, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, RO NHAI, Chief Engineer BEACON, Chief Engineer SAMPARK, Project Director NHIDCL, and other concerned officers.
A PowerPoint presentation was given on the status of overall road infrastructure maintained by different agencies. It was revealed that out of the total 42,000 km road network in J&K, around 12,000 km were damaged due to floods and flash floods.
The Deputy CM was informed that temporary restoration work is underway on a war footing. On NH44, the Udhampur-Ramban stretch has suffered major damages and is expected to be restored by this evening. The Dhar-Udhampur stretch will be opened for one-way traffic by tomorrow. Of the 105 bridges on NH44, three were damaged and have already been restored.
Taking serious note of the collapse of the Seri-Kath bridge in Kathua—constructed only a few years ago—the Deputy CM directed NHAI to conduct a design and structural audit of all bridges built by the agency.
The Chief Engineer SAMPARK Jammu informed that multiple roads including Rajouri-Thannamandi, Surankote Road, Reasi-Arnas-Mahore, and Pouni-Sair Rajouri have been restored. However, the Budhal-Mahore-Gul Road remains blocked and is expected to be cleared within a week.
The status of roads in Kishtwar and Doda districts was also reviewed, with officials confirming that temporary restoration has been completed in most areas, while work on the remaining stretches continues at a fast pace.
In the Kashmir Valley, particularly South Kashmir, most roads have been temporarily restored. However, in Vailloo, five roads and three culverts have suffered major damage. The Deputy CM directed the concerned engineers to visit the affected sites, take remedial steps, and submit a detailed report to the administrative department.
Given the extent of damage, the Deputy CM instructed NHAI to conduct a scientific safety audit of all bridges, including alignment and design reviews, to ensure the long-term safety and environmental sustainability of infrastructure in mountainous areas.
He emphasized timely completion of restoration works and warned of strict action, including blacklisting, against negligent contractors or executing agencies. Agencies such as BRO and NHAI were directed to maintain quality standards and avoid sub-letting major contracts.
Finally, the Deputy CM stressed the importance of restoring road connectivity swiftly to ensure the smooth movement of people, goods, and essential services. He reiterated that R&B is the frontline department during natural calamities and must remain responsive to any emergencies.