Jammu: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of the Baba Reshi–Gulmarg Road has been prepared at an estimated cost of ₹40.34 crore and is presently under examination.
Replying to a question raised by legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone, the Deputy Chief Minister said that estimates for the balance work related to upgradation, macadamisation, and completion of the Dandmouh–Setrisem–Nagbal road are currently under preparation. He added that the work would be taken up under the appropriate head of account, subject to the availability of resources.
In another reply in the House, responding to a question by legislator Javid Hassan Baig, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government is firmly committed to connecting every habitation across Jammu and Kashmir with robust road connectivity.
He said a structured and phased approach is being adopted for road development under flagship schemes such as PMGSY, CRIF, NABARD (RIDF) and UT Capex, in line with the J&K Road Policy–2021. He added that planning, sanctioning, and execution of projects under these schemes are time-bound and subject to regular reviews and monitoring to ensure timely delivery of safe, durable, and all-weather roads.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that in compliance with Supreme Court directions on well-maintained and safe motorable roads, the Public Works (R&B) Department is undertaking construction, upgradation, and systematic maintenance of road infrastructure under various Central Sector Schemes and UT sector schemes.
He said the J&K Road Policy–2021 has been notified to ensure assured funding, transparency, and planned maintenance. Roads are being planned and executed as per Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, with in-built safety measures including crash barriers, signage, road furniture, identification of accident-prone spots, and mandatory maintenance during and after construction.
Highlighting equitable development, the Deputy Chief Minister said special emphasis is being laid on improving connectivity to remote, hilly, and inaccessible areas. He added that the Directorate of Investigation and Quality Control (DIQC) wing of the Public Works (R&B) Department has been mandated to ensure technical vetting, quality assurance, and strict compliance with prescribed standards to create safe, durable, and all-season road and bridge infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
