New Delhi, Feb 6: The Jammu and Kashmir minister for R&B, G M Saroori today called on the Union surface transport minister, Kamal Nath and discussed measures for improving movement of vehicular traffic on Srinagar-Jammu Highway with focus on upgradation of the road stretches in various shooting stone and land stretches.
 He said the safety of the passengers travelling on highway particularly from harsh weather conditions was the prime concern of the state government.
 He said that the construction of tunnels especially in the land sliding zone of Panthal will help considerably to avert road accidents.
 Saroori also pleaded for enhancing the maintenance grant for Srinagar-Jammu Highway as the present maintenance grand of Rs 22 crore was less, keeping in view the vulnerable topography and climatic conditions of the State as compared to other States of the country. In this context, Saroori placed a demand of Rs 100 crore before the Union Ministry for Surface Transport.
 He pleaded that Bani-Bhaderwah-Basholi road should also be taken up immediately for execution by the BEACON adding that of Rs. 20 crore stands already released for the same.
 Stressing on the inter-state connectivity, he said that Bhaderwah-Chamba road which has already been sanctioned should also be taken up on priority.
 Saroori pleaded the Union Minister for Surface Transport for expeditious approval of various road projects which have already been submitted to Government of India.
 Kamal Nath appreciated Saroori’s efforts for development in the roads sector and assured him all possible support.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 7 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST