J&K J&K Chief Secretary assesses progress of infrastructure projects

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday took a comprehensive review of the modalities for significant projects to be raised by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), including Inter Modal Stations (IMS), ropeways and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in the UT.

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Dulloo impressed upon the concerned to make a headway on all these significant infrastructure projects by laying a framework for execution of works at an earliest. He emphasised on the PWD to take earnest steps necessary for creation of SPV for establishment of different ropeway projects at various tourist spots of J&K, including the one at Shankaracharya Temple.

He also enjoined upon the Finance, Law and Housing & Urban Development Departments to put their heads together with the experts of the NHLML for fastracking the grounding of projects like IMS Katra and Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Samba.

Regarding the projects, it was given out by the NHLML that the planned Inter Modal Station at Katra, a crucial project set to serve approximately 2.5 crore pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, will feature a robust transport zone, including a bus terminal with 88 bays, parking for approximately 500 ECS, three helipads and a ropeway station. The commercial zone will comprise of commercial spaces across multiple floors and five hotel towers.

The Shankaracharya temple ropeway project, with a length of 1.05 km and a bid project cost of Rs 109 crore, is moving forward utilising the Mono-Cable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology. It will have a capacity of 700 PPHPD (persons per hour per direction) and a travel time of approximately 5 minutes, connecting two stations with 15 cabins. The construction duration is estimated at two years.

Additionally, NHLML is undertaking Detailed Project Report (DPR) bids for several other ropeway projects across Jammu & Kashmir, including Sonamarg – Thajiwas Glacier, Bhaderwah to Seojhdar, Baltal – Amarnath Cave, Doodpathri from Parihas to Diskhal and Nasri Tunnel to Sanasar Ropeway.

Later, another crucial meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary to review the progress and modalities for takeover of approach roads constructed by the Indian Railways for Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project by the Jammu & Kashmir Public Works Department (PWD).

This move aims to ensure regular maintenance and upkeep of these vital roads links in the twin districts of Reasi and Ramban.