Srinagar, Jan 3: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday urged the government of India to expedite the big-ticket projects especially those related to connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that while most of them have gone into limbo, there are several vital projects that have been abandoned sans any remorse by the government.
Responding to the reports about Prime Minister Modi visiting the state and laying foundation of some developmental projects this month, former Cabinet Minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said that while starting new projects in Jammu and Kashmir is a welcome measure, the Government of India should also see why the projects it initiated in the past in the state continue to miss the target dates.
Akhtar stated that while the construction of Zojila Tunnel is not taken off at all, work over Z-Morh Tunnel has been completely stopped. He added that the New Jawahar Tunnel has missed several target dates as work on it is going on at snail’s pace. “The Ring Road project continues to remain in limbo. Even compensation money is not available and the process of land acquisition has not completed. While announcing new projects is a welcome step, the status of the existing ones too merits the attention of the central government,” Akhtar said.
The PDP leader added that during the previous popular government in Jammu and Kashmir, the central schemes witnessed distinct progress, the example of which is Srinagar Qazi Gund Highway and Chenani Nashri Tunnel. “Such projects were taken up on priority only because the state government was continuously pursuing, reminding and facilitating these projects,” Akhtar said.
He added that it is deeply concerning that Vailoo Tunnel in the state continues to remain a non-starter while as four-lanning of Jammu Poonch Highway remains a distant dream. On the other hand, said Akhar, there is no progress on Narbal- Baramulla Highway four-lanning. “It is expected that the governor administration takes it up and pursues it with the Government of India where fortunately we have an outstanding minister at the helm of affairs Mr. Nitin Gatkari. He has been singularly sympathetic to the connectivity requirements of Jammu and Kashmir and has always responded positively to our pleas,” Akhtar said
