Highway project in J&K gets go ahead

In a latest development, the Union Government has given a 'go ahead' signal to Jammu and Kashmir government to upgrade the NH stretch from Batote to Kishtwar via Chenani-Sudh Mahadev-Khelani following reports by the geological experts that Batote-Kishtwar Highway is sinking fast. In this connection, the construction work will be carried out by NHAI and NHIDCL. Commenting on the development, an official source said that the state has been asked to prepare detailed project report for realignment of the National Highway and submit it to the Union Ministry of Surface Transport for approval as early as possible. The new alignment would be Batote-Chenani-Sudh Mahadev-Khelani with about 110 kilometers, almost similar to present stretch of the highway. Meanwhile, the State Government has set the process into motion for inviting tenders for preparation of detailed project report of the new alignment of the highway in view of frequently deteriorating condition of existing stretch, he added.