Centre's support needed to complete highway projects: Mehbooba

Describing connectivity as a prerequisite for bolstering economic growth, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called for more effective coordination between different agencies so that work on various road projects in the state is carried forward with greater urgency.
She said constructing roads on rugged terrain in a hilly state like Jammu and Kashmir is a daunting task for which she sought the Centre's active support in removing hurdles coming in the way of completion of these projects.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress of work on National Highways in the state.

The review comes in the backdrop of her meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi earlier this month.
The Chief Minister highlighted the challenges confronting Kashmir Valley on account of hostile climatic conditions as well as constraints on the law and order front which, she said, hamper the already-limited working season.
She urged all state government departments concerned to work in unison and resolve pending issues with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways so that both sides are on the same page.
"Our tourist season has already begun and Amarnath Yatra is in the offing. The maintenance of certain critical stretches on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is of vital importance as poor condition of roads results in frequent accidents, putting the lives of people in grave danger," she said.