Rs 2K-crore project to bypass ‘killer spots’ on Banihal road

Arteev Sharma
Tribune News Service
Jammu, August 2

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre for the realignment and four-laning of a 14-km stretch on the treacherous Ramban-Banihal road so as to bypass six "killer spots" on the section. The Rs 2,000-crore project would make it an all-weather road. The realignment project was finalised between Marog and Makarkote villages in Ramban district and the "process for the appointment of a consultant" has been initiated.

All-weather link

• Realignment and four-laning of a 14-km stretch on the Ramban-Banihal road aims at bypassing six "killer spots" on the section
• The Rs 2,000-crore project, involving construction of tunnels and bridges, will make this section an all-weather road

"We have prepared the DPR and submitted it for further action. All major trouble points, including Marog, Panthial, Digdol and Battery Chashma, would be bypassed after realignment," said Parshotam Kumar, Project Director, NHAI, Ramban sector. Kumar said re-alignment would involve construction of tunnels and bridges to avoid all landslide-prone and sinking areas. "It will definitely push the project deadline further," he said.

At present, the NHAI is four-laning two treacherous stretches, including 43-km-long Udhampur-Ramban section and 36-km-long Ramban-Banihal section, on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

Kumar said, "Our work on protection walls is in full swing due to abundant availability of labourers, but we are facing problem on technical front as skilled manpower has been stuck at various places."

Ajay Kumar Razak, Project Director, NHAI, Udhampur-Ramban sector, said, "Our efficiency has come down to 30-40 per cent due to non-availability of labourers and technical workforce."

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2VVTRJj & k/rs-2k-crore-project-to-bypass-killer-spots-on-banihal-road-121437