It is crucial to upgrade the roads leading to the recently discovered tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir because this is a critical step towards the overall development of the region. The aforementioned matter highlights the significant influence that strategically planned road improvements can have on the socioeconomic structure of the area, as demonstrated by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s visionary approach. Roads are more than just places to go; they are the lifeblood of newly developed tourist destinations, promoting job creation, economic development, and cross-cultural interaction. Road improvement becomes a revolutionary undertaking amid the jaw-dropping scenery of Jammu and Kashmir, where every turn reveals a mosaic of rugged natural beauty and cultural value. The fact that Chief Secretary Dulloo has made these upgrades a top priority shows that he recognizes that accessible and well-kept roads are essential to the tourism industry because they maximize its potential for sustainable growth and make the region’s captivating charms more accessible to both residents and tourists.
At the forefront of Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative landscape, the Chief Secretary has embarked on a visionary journey aimed at redefining the region’s developmental dynamics. His strategic approach towards prioritizing road upgrades and ensuring inclusive fair-weather access to previously unconnected habitations underscores a commitment to fostering comprehensive and equitable development. In his discerning vision, roads transcend mere conduits of transportation; they emerge as pivotal catalysts for prosperity, seamlessly connecting communities, facilitating trade, and ensuring access to essential services. To comprehend the transformative nature of Chief Secretary Dulloo’s initiatives, it is imperative to first understand the current state of road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The region boasts an extensive network covering 41,927 kilometers of roads, a testament to substantial investments in surface quality. Among these, 36,433 kilometers are blacktopped, indicating a commitment to high-quality road surfaces. An additional 3,012 kilometers are metalled, while 2,457 kilometers consist of fair-weather roads, collectively forming a well-rounded network capable of catering to diverse terrains and weather conditions. The strategic vision of Chief Secretary Dulloo includes the identification and assessment of road renovations, especially those that connect each division’s newly discovered tourism spots. The primary objective of this progressive strategy is to improve the overall visitor experience and promote development in newly developed tourist destinations while also acknowledging the potential of the tourism sector to boost economic growth and generate job opportunities. Furthermore, his commitment extends to providing fair-weather roads to previously unconnected habitations in Jammu and Kashmir, addressing longstanding infrastructure gaps in rural and less-connected regions. This initiative represents a departure from traditional urban-centric development paradigms, placing emphasis on inclusive growth and accessibility even in the remote corners of the region. Acknowledging that the quality of roads fundamentally defines the overall development of an area, the Chief Secretary emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the infrastructure. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the broader objective of creating a sustainable and resilient road network that can withstand the test of time. In parallel, Chief Secretary Dulloo recognizes opportunities to enhance the density of National Highways (NH) in Jammu and Kashmir, aspiring to bring it on par with other Himalayan states. This strategic focus on NHs is instrumental in facilitating trade, ensuring connectivity, and promoting national integration. Efficiency and timeliness in project completion are pivotal factors in realizing the full potential of infrastructure initiatives. Chief Secretary Dulloo underscores the need for sustained efforts to ensure that road projects are completed on time, thereby accelerating the pace of development and minimizing disruptions to local communities. A cornerstone of the success of these initiatives lies in the administrative reforms implemented by Principal Secretary, PWD, Shailendra Kumar – specifically, the creation of online Measurement Books for each work. This pioneering approach streamlines the measurement and documentation process, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in project execution. Statistics reflecting the physical progress of projects and corresponding expenditures provide tangible evidence of the administration’s commitment to transformative development. Between April 2020 and March 2023, a total of 7,826 projects were completed, encompassing the blacktopping of 17,247 kilometers of roads. The expenditure during this period amounted to a substantial Rs 18,716.94 crore, signifying a significant investment in infrastructure development. A comparative analysis between the three-year periods from April 2017 to March 2020 and April 2020 to March 2023 reveals a notable increase in monthly expenditure. In the later period, the cumulative expenditure per month rose to Rs 519 crore, compared to Rs 319 crore in the earlier three-year period, signaling a proactive and accelerated approach to infrastructure development. Key projects that came under review during Chief Secretary Dulloo’s comprehensive assessment include the Semi Ring Road in Jammu and Srinagar, Udhampur-Ramban and Ramban-Banihal sections of NH 44, Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch road, Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani-Chatroo-Khanabal road, Srinagar-Shopian-Qazigund road, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Road, Z-Morh tunnel, Zojilla tunnel, and Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway. Each of these projects holds strategic significance in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic activities. As winter challenges loom, Chief Secretary Dulloo has taken stock of the snow clearance preparations made by the Department. His emphasis on timely road openings, especially in snow-bound areas, reflects a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of residents and the unhindered movement of essential services. The meticulous planning, allocation of snow clearance responsibilities to various agencies, and provision of machinery and equipment underscore the administration’s preparedness for the upcoming winter challenges.
Finally, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s visionary approach towards prioritizing road upgrades and ensuring inclusive fair-weather access in unconnected habitations marks a paradigm shift in the developmental dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir. His leadership serves as an example of the ability of strategic vision to influence a region’s and its citizens’ destiny. Setting an example for effective government and long-term development in Jammu and Kashmir is the dedication to high-quality infrastructure, universal connectivity, and timely project completion. The region is poised at the cusp of transformative progress under Chief Secretary Dulloo’s stewardship. It is a future where every twist and turn in the road signifies not just a change in direction but a transformative journey toward holistic regional development.
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