Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 23: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs & Department of Information and Public Relations, Choudhary Zulfkar Ali called on Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari to discuss various road projects including four-lanning of Jammu – Poonch highway and Budhal-Shopian road.
Zulfkar presented memorandum of demands to Union Minister and apprised him about various prestigious road projects in Rajouri and Poonch.
The Minister apprised Gadkari that Union Government in July 2015 approved construction of eight new national highways, including Jammu-Akhnoor-Nowshera-Rajouri-Poonch (NH 144-A). He added the same project was later included in Prime Minister Development Project announced on 7th of November 2015 and subsequently an amount of Rs 5100 crore was earmarked for its construction.
The Minister briefed that the work on the road has not been started as yet. Highlighting the importance of the road, Zulfkar said that the road connects two important vital districts with the rest of the State and is regularly being used by Army and security forces guarding the Line of Control. He added that Prime Minister during his visit to District Poonch in connection with Assembly elections in December 2014 had also announced four-lanning of Jammu- Rajouri-Poonch Road.
The Minister said the State Government is seriously considering proposal for construction of road from Budhal to Shopian as it will provide connectivity to the people residing in Budhal and Mahore areas of districts of Rajouri and Reasi.
The Minister said that the construction of the road will provide flip to tourism sector as there are a number of lakes and meadows falling along the proposed road.
Discussing construction of Palma-Mandir Gala Road, Zulfkar said that proposed road that takes off from Rajouri to Budhal will benefit about 35,000 souls of six villages and its adjoining helmets. He briefed that the economic activity of public in the area is agriculture and cattle raring, and the construction of the road will provide better transport facility to the residents of the area.
The Minister also took up Kha to Kharian road issue with Union Minister.
Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari listened to the demand patiently and assured that they will look into these demands and provide every possible help.
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