Excelsior Correspondent
FATEHPUR (KATHUA), Nov 24: The vital road link between Kathua and Gurdaspur via Nagri-Parole, Narote Jaimal Singh and Dinanagar towns, has been witnessed as the worst example of Government apathy despite the fact that a Rs 18.8 crore double lane road project, formulated under inter-state connectivity in November 2010, could not be taken up so far while the heavy traffic continued to ply on this road in the absence of much needed infrastructure at the newly constructed Toll Plaza complex on J&K-Punjab border at this point.
After the construction of a much needed bridge on river Ravi at Kathloor, 4 kms ahead of this Toll Plaza in Punjab territory of Gurdaspur district, this road was described as most vital-link as per defence point of view. But the people of nearly 65 border villages with Pakistan, of Narote Jaimal Singh Sub Division in Punjab and nearly 20 villagers of Nagri Parole border belt of district Kathua (J&K), can not be accorded full benefit until this road is improved and converted into double lane specifications. Moreover, this vital link will reduce nearly 24 km distance between Jammu and Amritsar.
While major pilferage of Toll Tax at this point is the general complaint of the locals of the area, the visiting media team also found several vehicles passing through this border point without being halted and checked properly for the purpose by the officials deployed. The road has virtually turned into a ‘kutcha’ track like a ‘Khud’ and it is difficult to take on smooth drive. A large number of heavy vehicles/ trucks etc are plying on this road and most of the load carriers moving between Amritsar-Batala and Jammu use this road. Though J&K Commercial Taxes/ Excise Department has constructed a large Toll Plaza at Fatehpur point near Nagri- Parole but no internal infrastructure including computers have been installed to ensure smooth and transparent functioning of this Toll Plaza.
Dy Commissioner Excise, Lakhanpur, Dr Mushtaq who controls this post, however, said that an officer of the rank of ETO has been posted at Nagri-Parole Toll Post. He claimed that building was ready but the condition of the road was not good. Dr Mushtaq said revenue to the tune of nearly Rs 80-90 lakh annually is being generated at this point. He admitted some allegations of tax evasion and maintained that there are some other river routes being used for illegal activity. The DC further said that the Toll Plaza will be computerized shortly and he has already sent reminders to the concerned authorities in this regard. He disclosed that out of the eight weigh bridges installed there, only three are made operational as there was not much traffic load on this link due to its bad condition.
MLA Kathua, Charanjeet Singh said that he took up the issue with the Commissioner/ Secretary R&B twice who told that this Rs 18.8 crore project has not been given green nod by the Government so far. Mr Singh said it is clear case of discrimination with the Kathua district while several other road projects under inter-state connectivity are given approval. He sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also holding the charge of R&B Department. He said this link connects people of Kathua directly with Gurdaspur and they have many relations on the either side.
MLA Narote Jaimal Singh constituency, Asha Devi from BJP (Punjab) said this road from Dinanagar to Fatehpur J&K border is under GREF. She said the condition of road is bad and this link needed to be converted into double lane. She said after the construction of bridge over river Ravi at Kathloor with the initiative of MP Vinod Khanna from Gurdaspur, the people of this constituency, adjoining Sujanpur (Pb) and Kathua in J&K have been benefited but its real benefit will come only after this road is made double lane and further improved. She said that their MP and two MLAs of adjoining constituencies have taken up the issue strongly with BRO authorities.
Executive Engineer R&B Kathua, K S Nathial when contacted said that a Rs 18.8 crore road project under inter-state connectivity to improve and widen 8.2 kms road from Palli Morh on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway, just 8 km short of Kalibari up to Nagri-Parole, was formulated and sent to the Centre. Next 4.5 kms road up to Punjab border on J&K side was under GREF (BRO). The GREF authorities have to improve and widen it. At present there is proposal to make it double lane but in view of traffic load, it is needed to be converted into four-lane in near future. He said the total length of this road from Palli Morh (Kathua) to Dinanagar (Gurdaspur), on Pathankote-Amritsar Highway is 34 km and it may shorten nearly 24 kms distance between Jammu and Amritsar.
Mr Nathial further disclosed that this proposal was sent to Central Government in November 2010 and is awaiting Government nod for the last two years. He pointed out that due to plying of heavy traffic on this link, the condition of road has further worsened and the department had not enough funds for its repair. This link also provides connectivity to old Samba- Kathua road. There is need to construct a bridge on Bajuh Nallah near Nagri on this vital road link, Mr Nathial maintained.
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