Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a high level meeting to assess progress on National Highway projects being executed across the Union Territory.

Emphasising the critical importance of these projects, he issued firm directives to ensure their timely completion while minimising public inconvenience.

The meeting was attended by senior officers including Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar while other officers participated online.

Representatives from key agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were also present.

The Chief Secretary reviewed various National Highway projects, examining the individual packages, scheduled completion dates and current progress. He specifically instructed the NHAI to expedite project completion while ensuring that public inconvenience is minimised. "Delays are unacceptable. We must prioritise efficiency and public convenience in equal measure," he asserted.

The review encompassed critical infrastructure projects like Delhi-Amritsar-Katra (DAK) Expressway, four-laning of Banihal Bypass, Srinagar Ring Road, Jammu-Akhnoor National Highway, Chenani-Sudhmahadev Road, Khellani Bypass Tunnel and various projects under Project SAMPARK.

Dulloo scrutinised the physical and financial status of these projects, emphasising added accountability and swift resolution of any impediments.

Addressing the challenges posed by the region's unique topography, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need for proactive planning. "Weather conditions and natural challenges must be anticipated and integrated into our project timelines to prevent unnecessary delays," he directed the officers.

In a move to prevent resource-related delays, the Chief Secretary directed Director Geology and Mining, Suraj Parkash Rukwal, to conduct field visits and ensure that mining activities do not hinder the project progress.

Furthermore, he discussed the forest clearance issues with Commissioner Secretary, Sheetal Nanda.

Officers from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department Kashmir and R&B Pir Panjal also presented updates on their respective projects.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the progress on Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and engaged with Deputy Commissioners to identify and address district-specific challenges, particularly those related to land acquisition. He asked them to expedite the processes and resolve issues promptly to facilitate smooth project execution.