Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today undertook a comprehensive review of the projects being executed by the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department at a high-level meeting held at the PWD Conference Hall, Gandhi Nagar here.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of R&B projects worth Rs 119 crore through virtual mode and also e-inaugurated R&B projects worth Rs 33 crore.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, PWD (R&B) Anil Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment Sheetal Nanda, Engineer-in-Chief, PWD, senior engineers, executive engineers, and representatives of BEACON, SAMPARK, NHAI and NHIDCL, besides other concerned officers.
All Deputy Commissioners and field officers participated through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed major road and bridge projects being executed by different agencies including BEACON, SAMPARK, NHAI, NHIDCL and PWD (R&B) across Jammu and Kashmir. A detailed presentation was made on rapid restoration of road connectivity, permanent restoration works, and revival of long-pending bridges, particularly in vulnerable and strategically important areas.
Expressing concern over delays, Omar Abdullah sought clear timelines for each project and took stock of the status of Right of Way (RoW) issues and forest clearances.
He instructed the concerned departments to expedite forest clearances in a coordinated manner, stressing that procedural delays should not become an excuse for missing deadlines.
The Chief Minister expressed displeasure over missing of timelines in several projects, directing the executing agencies to identify bottlenecks and address them immediately.
He emphasized that slow pace of work defeats the purpose of infrastructure development and causes avoidable inconvenience to the public.
Emphasizing that special attention be given to public interest, Omar Abdullah directed agencies, particularly NHAI and NHIDCL, to ensure proper maintenance of existing roads where tunnel and major highway works are underway.
He further directed all executing agencies to take up the issue of forest clearances with the concerned Forest Department on a regular basis wherever new projects or works are proposed to be started, strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA). The Chief Minister stressed that early and continuous engagement with the Forest Department is essential to avoid delays at later stages of project execution.
The meeting also reviewed major achievements under Capital Expenditure (Capex) and the performance of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) for the year 2025-26. The Chief Minister stressed optimal utilization of funds and urged departments to ensure outcome-based planning and execution.
Expressing concern over the growing traffic congestion in urban centres, the Chief Minister instructed the department to prepare well-thought-out and technically sound Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for flyovers and road projects in the twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu.
Highlighting the importance of durability and climate resilience, the Chief Minister directed that all road projects must mandatorily include proper drainage systems.
“Without adequate drainage, rainwater damages roads and shortens their life. Drainage must be an integral part of every road project, not an afterthought,” he instructed.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated Conference Hall and allied facilities at the PWD Guest House, Gandhi Nagar. On the occasion, he also distributed appreciation letters among the engineers.
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