Jammu, Nov 27: The 80 km stretch of historical Mughal Road from Bafliaz to Shopian has been made double laned, besides macadamization of 37 kms. The Rs. 639.85 crore project is expected to be completed and thrown open for all types of vehicular traffic by September 2011.
This information was revealed at a review meeting, chaired by the Minister of State for R&B, Javaid Ahmad Dar, here Saturday.
The Minister emphasized upon HCC authorities to accelerate the pace of work on the project and ensure that it is completed in time. He said this historic inter-regional road link would not only reduce the travel distance but would also serve as dependable  alternative to Srinagar-Jammu highway, which remains closed  due to heavy rains or snowing during winter months. He said the road would integrate the local economy of Poonch, Rajouri and Shopian districts opening new trade avenues for the people of these areas.
Javaid asked HCC to increase men and machinery on the project so that the arrears of work accumulated are covered. He asked them to engage local laborers, who are available round the year and help in taking forward the work of the project smoothly.
Dar asked Chief Engineer to monitor the progress of the project regularly, adding that its progress would be reviewed on monthly basis.
The meeting was informed that Rs. 394.84 crore have been expended so far. It was revealed that 234 culverts have been completed out of proposed 428 being constructed on the road. As much as 40 km road length have been completed up to granular sub base(GSB) level while 45 km taken up to water bound Macadam(WBM) level, the meeting was informed. It was given out that apart from completion of 4 minor bridges , out of 21, work for construction of 7 major bridges have been allotted to M/s. SP Singla, Pvt Ltd.
Regarding land acquisition, the meeting was told that 230 hacters, including forest land, have been acquired so far for the project.
It was further revealed that two police posts are being set up on either side of the road to check unauthorized moment of vehicular traffic on the road, which hampers the progress of the project. Unprecedented rains in the area, unrest in the Valley, laborers strike have caused delay in the completion of the project, the meeting was told.
It was given out that more than 500 personnel, skilled and unskilled, are on job daily besides deployment of 340 heavy and medium machineries at different places of the road.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 IST