SRINAGAR: The work is in full swing on 82 km Nowgam-Qazigund road while pace on about Rs. 110 crore project has been expedited at all the three stretches in Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts following its declaration as National Highway 444.
This information was given to the Chief Engineer (CE), R&B, Kashmir, Sami Arif Yeswi, during his inspection, who visited several parts of south Kashmir and took stock of the developmental works coming up under R&B sector in Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts.
While taking on-the-spot stock of on-going works of this 82 km important road link, which will provide alternate connectivity to Srinagar-Qazigund National Highway, passing through Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts, the Chief Engineer was told that the road has a great significance as it will go a long way in promoting horticulture sector in these three districts by way of providing road communication facility to fruit growers for transporting their produce to other parts of the country.
He was informed that Rs. 36.07 core are being spent on 31 km Nowgam-Tukno stretch in Pulwama district while Rs. 33.22 crore have been earmarked for 21 km Tukno-Nehama stretch falling in Shopian district. In Kulgam district, the work on 30 km Nehama- Qazigund stretch is going on at a cost of Rs. 40.61 crore, the Chief Engineer was informed.
The Chief Engineer also inspected the ongoing wok of Court Complex coming up in district Shopian at a cost of Rs. 31.50 crore. He was informed that work is in full swing and every effort is being made to complete the project within the stipulated time line.
The Chief Engineer said that there will be no compromise on quality of work and instructed the engineers to keep close vigil on the works and ensure that qualitative material is used as per the set specifications. He said if any discrepancy, in quality and quantity, is found at any stage the executing agency or the official responsible for it will have to pay its cost. On certain places, he personally checked the quality of macadam, laid on the road, by way of its material and the required temperature.
Superintending Engineers Nayeem Ahmad and Parvez Ahmad Qadimi besides executive engineers of Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts were accompanied the Chief Engineer.

KR Desk