MP Mian Altaf Demands Urgent Action on Jammu-Poonch Highway, Calls for Swift Upgrades and Tunnels Completion

Srinagar, 20-06-2024 : Mian Altaf Ahmed, Member of Parliament representing Anantnag-Rajouri, has voiced his discontent over the sluggish pace of construction and the deteriorating condition of the strategically significant Jammu-Poonch highway. In a recent statement, Altaf called upon the responsible authorities to promptly address these issues and expedite necessary actions to improve road conditions.

Expressing concern over the current state of the 240-kilometer-long Jammu-Poonch highway, Altaf emphasized that its poor condition has been causing considerable inconvenience to the public. He criticized the slow progress on this crucial project, asserting that it has undermined the road’s strategic importance.

Highlighting the critical role of the Rajouri-Thannamandi-Bafliaz road, Altaf underscored its strategic significance in connecting Srinagar with Jammu and various border districts. He stressed the urgent need for the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to focus on immediate resurfacing and maintenance of this road to alleviate public hardships, particularly for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine Shahdra Sharief.

Altaf projected that upon completion, the Jammu-Poonch highway project would halve the travel time between Jammu and Poonch, currently at eight hours. He highlighted the anticipated benefits of enhanced all-weather connectivity and safer travel facilitated by the completion of the road project and the construction of four tunnels.

Regarding ongoing projects, Altaf urged expedited progress on tunnels and emphasized the critical need for maintenance and upgrades on other affected stretches like Nowshera-Rajouri, Rajouri-Manjakot, and Rajouri-Thannamandi roads. He called upon the administration and concerned agencies to accelerate their efforts to enhance road infrastructure in these areas swiftly.

Altaf affirmed his commitment to addressing these issues at a higher level, stating his intention to raise concerns with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to ensure timely action and relief for the affected regions.