J&K Governor reviews development work on Mughal road

Besides providing the shortest road link between Poonch-Rajouri area of Jammu Division and the Kashmir valley, the Governor said this highway shall open up the entire area for trekking, mountaineering, tourism and speed up economic development.

He stressed the importance of this road being fully completed on priority basis.

Vohra was also briefed about the progress of work on the 84-km road by heads of various agencies involved in the project.

Mathew Marcus, senior officer of Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), said the work is apace on the clearance of landslides and snow avalanches, construction of bridges, culverts, drains, widening, surfacing and blacktopping on various stretches of the road.

Bimal Tikoo, Chief Engineer Mughal Road Project, said an amount of Rs 529 crore has been spent on its construction from Bafliaz to Shopian, against an estimated cost of Rs 639.85 crore.

This includes compensation for the removal of structures, trees, shifting of services and purchase of snow clearance equipments, he said.

Tickoo stated that efforts have been intensified to commission this road within the earliest possible timeframe.

The Governor, accompanied by wife Usha Vohra, also visited Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary and took keen interest in the animals and birds species which inhabit this reserved area.