Srinagar, May 20: Finally, the Airport Road was thrown open for two way traffic Friday as the ongoing drainage work in one of its lanes in Hyderpora was completed after much hue and cry over the issue. Divisional Commissioner, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon threw open the road.
 An official handout said: “Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon in presence of Director Urban, J&K ERA, OP Dubey, Project Manager (Urban) Kashmir, GH Ganaie, and  SP Traffic, Maqsood-Ul-Zaman formally opened the left side of  IG road for traffic after the work on deep drain along the road was completed by J&K ERA on 20th May  2010.”
 “The work on deep drain with average depth of 5 to 6 meters having catchment area of 28 hectares (approx) was taken up by J&K ERA in early winter of 2011 and as on date  stretch of road from Peerbagh to  Post Office lane has been completed and road restored with laying of  first layer of 50mm thick bituminous macadam,” the handout said.
 “ERA highly appreciates the cooperation given by district administration, Traffic police, R&B, PDD, PHE, BSNL and other line departments who rendered full support during execution of work...ERA also has expressed thanks to people living in adjacent areas who cooperated whole heartedly with the executing agency and showed immense during patience execution of work,” it added.

DOUBLE SHIFT ‘MYSTERY’
 Despite repeated directions to start double-shift for speedy construction of drain on the plush road, which remained in a mess for over a month, the ERA trashed the directions and continued with the work at its “sweet will and wish”.
 Since start of April when the work started, the ERA remained reluctant
 not to reduce timeframe saying the work cant be completed before May 20.
 This was despite the fact that the Divisional Commisioner, Dr Asgar
 Hassan Samoon, MoS Housing and Home, Nasir Sogami and the ERA CEO had sought work a double shift on the work.

THE INCONVENIENCE
 The closure of the Airport Road at the start tourist season had put  the National Conference led government to severe embarrassment as the first impression of Kashmir which the visitors got was of a back breaking journey on a Kacha Road.
 All the Srinagar bound vehicles from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district and the Srinagar International Airport were being diverted towards a Kacha Road whereas only the VIPs including ministers and senior officials were allowed to drive straight on the Airport Road.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 IST