Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the affected stretch of NH-44 at Thard Udhampur to take stock of the ongoing restoration works.

He was accompanied by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs; Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Chenani; Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur; Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Udhampur; Adil Hamid, SSP Traffic; besides senior officers and members of the local public.

During the visit, R.S. Yadav, Regional Officer J&K NHAI, briefed the Chief Minister about the progress of works including widening, metalling, and restoration of the second tube of NH-44.

He also apprised him of the current single-lane traffic arrangements in place to manage vehicular movement.

The Chief Minister directed the NHAI authorities to expedite the restoration process to ease the movement of commuters and the general public. He instructed the executing agencies to mobilize additional men and machinery to ensure timely completion, underlining that safe and smooth road connectivity is the top priority of the Government.

Later, the Chief Minister interacted with local residents at Thard, patiently listening to their grievances.

He assured them that the Government is making every possible effort to fully restore NH-44 at the earliest and provide necessary relief to both commuters and the public.