Jammu, Sept 18: Bringing a long-pending demand to life, DDC Suchetgarh and senior Congress leader Taranjit Singh Tony, along with MLA Gharu Ram Bhagat, on Wednesday flagged off the blacktopping work of the Sai–Mule Chak road, sanctioned at a cost of ₹2.60 crore. The work officially started today amid cheers from locals who gathered in large numbers to witness the historic moment.
The ceremony saw the participation of Sarpanch Rajni Choudhary, Panch Vijay Choudhary, youth leader Sonu Choudhary, Narender Sharma, Shama Choudhary, Baba Choudhary, Choudhary Bihari Shah, Kissan leader-Baldev Singh and several prominent residents. Panchs and Naib Sarpanchs from neighbouring villages also joined the event, calling it a “day of new beginnings” for the flood-affected border belt.
Speaking at the site, Tony highlighted the strategic and economic importance of the road.
“Today marks the start of a project that will transform the lives of border residents,” Tony said. “We will leave no stone unturned to complete this work swiftly and with quality. This road is a lifeline for nearly 50 villages, connecting farmers and residents on both sides of the bridge. It will also act as a vital escape route during cross-border shelling or natural calamities.”
Tony added that the upgraded road will help farmers transport their produce to markets more efficiently and ensure emergency services can reach the villages without delay.
“Better connectivity means better opportunities. Our farmers, who have suffered heavy losses due to the recent floods, will now have reliable access to markets, schools, and hospitals,” he emphasized.
MLA Gharu Ram Bhagat, while lauding the initiative, said the project will pave the way for economic upliftment of the border area.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter for Suchetgarh. Border villages deserve infrastructure at par with cities, and we are determined to make that happen,” Bhagat assured.
Later, Tony and Bhagat also visited the under-construction community hall, which is being developed with ₹50 lakh from the DDC fund. On the occasion, the MLA Gharu announced an additional ₹5 lakh, taking the total community hall funding to ₹15 lakh (₹10 lakh announced earlier and ₹5 lakh today).
Residents expressed gratitude to the leaders for kick-starting the long-awaited blacktopping. Elders recalled how the project had remained stalled for decades despite repeated pleas. Youth leader Sonu Choudhary said the start of the work gives fresh hope to the region.
“This is more than just a road—it’s a symbol of development and safety for our people,” he remarked.
With the blacktopping work now underway, locals are optimistic that the project will be completed on a war footing, setting the stage for faster recovery and growth in the flood-affected border villages.