Legislators called the road of utmost importance, flagged narrow stretch, deterioration
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₹249 Cr Anantnag–Dooru–Verinag Road Upgrade Proposed, MLAs Flag Concerns
Rs 249 Cr Anantnag-Dooru-Verinag road upgrade proposed, Govt tells Assembly
Legislators called the road of utmost importance, flagged narrow stretch, deterioration
The Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed a Rs 249.76 crore upgradation of the Anantnag-Dooru-Verinag (ADV) road, with project reports prepared for the 25-km stretch, the Assembly was informed.
Replying to a question by MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir who asked whether the project would be taken up with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), the government said it is under consideration.
“The department is entertaining the possibility for upgradation of the said road under CRIF,” the reply said.
Two Preliminary Project Reports have been prepared: Rs 69.76 crore for km 1-10 and Rs 180 crore for km 11-25, including a 3×30 metre bridge at Nadoora. The government said the first stretch, with a 5.5-metre width, is in good condition. “The said portion of the road is currently pothole-free,” it said.
The response follows a joint representation in February by MLAs Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Peerzada Mohammad Syed and Abdul Majeed Larmi, who sought CRIF inclusion for the road.
Calling it a matter of “utmost public importance,” they said the road runs parallel to NH-44 and serves as a key link.
“This road serves as a vital link for thousands of commuters connecting major destinations, educational institutions, and economic centres,” the letter addressed to Minister for Public Works Department (PWD) had mentioned
They described the road as “narrow and in deteriorated condition posing safety risks.”
Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary had then said proposals under CRIF and NABARD were under examination and asked MLAs to submit recommendations within five days. “The estimated cost shall not be more than Rs. 50.00 crore.
Larger projects can also be taken on joint recommendation,” he had said.
Meanwhile, responding to concerns raised by MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir that non-functioning of the OMMAS portal may have left out eligible habitations under PMGSY, the government said no areas were excluded.
“All eligible unconnected habitations were added to the OMMAS Portal and no eligible habitation has been left out,” the reply said.