Under the scheme of inter-sate connectivity, Rs. 80.60 crore had been sanctioned for the construction of Bhaderwah-Chamba link, which would connect Doda district with Himachal and thus give a boost to inter-sate trade, transport and connectivity. The then J&K Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad had taken the initiative for this important link way back in 2007-08. Begun in 2010, the completion target was set for May 2013. But owing to financial crunch, the project stopped short of its final stage which was of black topping the last 16 kilometers up to Khundi Maral on Bhadarwah – Chamba border. The Punjab-based construction company stopped the remaining work because arrears amounting to 11 crore rupees remained unpaid to the Company.
Apart from providing normal facilities of movement of vehicles and human beings on the link road to boost economy of the region, it has much importance for people thousands of whom have to trek the distance to participate in the popular Mahesh Mani annual yatra. People of three districts, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban go on this pilgrimage every year and they had approached the District Commissioner of Bhadarwah with the request that the link road to Chamba border be made motorable for the yatris. Though September 30 is the fresh dead line for completion of the project but if finances are not provided, this date may not h old. We would like to emphasize on the authorities of PWD that they make the payment of arrears to the construction company enabling it to resume the black topping of the remaining 16 kilometers of road. This would bring great satisfaction to the people of three districts and also open great opportunity of boosting trade and commerce of an otherwise backward area.
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