Guv reviews status of Mughal Road Project, directs audit of maintenance expenditure

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today undertook a road journey between Poonch and Shopian on the Mughal Road for a first-hand assessment of the maintenance works.

This was Vohra's first ground reconnaissance of the Mughal Road, an alternative link connecting the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region with Shopian in south Kashmir.

An official spokesman said Vohra took serious note of the poor maintenance of the road and directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to undertake a comprehensive audit of maintenance expenditure in the past three years.

He also sought an immediate report on maintenance works.

Earlier in the day, the governor interacted with Legislators of Poonch district and chaired a meeting with state, divisional and district level officers to take stock of various ongoing development projects in the district.

After the review meeting, the governor was scheduled to fly back to Srinagar.

However, on being informed that he could not do so because of inclement weather conditions over the Pir Panjal range, the Governor decided to return to the Valley by the Mughal Road, the spokesman said.

He said the governor interacted with the local people along the road and certain visiting tourists and passengers at Peer ki Gali to know their experience of travelling on this road.

The governor, inter alia, directed that the chief engineer of the Mughal Road Project will undertake a comprehensive safety audit of the road and take all corrective steps to immediately repair the critical stretches, the spokesman said.

In response to the suggestions made by passengers,Vohra ordered the construction of five public toilets along the road and, besides, resting sheds for shelter.