Advisor to PM assesses J&K’s developmental landscape

Srinagar, Jul 7: In a high-level meeting convened on Monday, Advisor to Prime Minister, Tarun Kapoor, undertook a comprehensive review of development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir, spanning energy, health, infrastructure, urban renewal, connectivity and governance reforms.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, along with other senior officers were present in the meeting. As per an official press release, the meeting brought together administrative secretaries of the UT government and senior officials from various Central agencies implementing mega projects across the region. The Advisor was briefed on the significance, current status and projected completion timelines of each major project.

The session began with a review of major hydroelectric projects (HEPs), which form the backbone of J&K’s energy strategy. Stressing the strategic significance of these projects at the national level, the Advisor called for robust organizational structures and efficient decision-making processes to ensure their timely execution.

The Advisor took stock of key railway projects including the landmark Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), and new corridors like Qazigund-Budgam double line, Baramulla-Uri, Sopore-Kupwara, Anantnag-Pahalgam and Jammu-Katra double line. These projects aim to drastically cut the travel time, boost commercial transport and improve the market access for J&K’s horticultural produce.

Road infrastructure, being implemented by NHAI, NHIDCL and BRO, was also reviewed. The Advisor discussed challenges such as construction material availability and the issuance of short-term permits to address the supply gaps.

A detailed review was conducted on the AIIMS campuses at Jammu and Srinagar. While the Jammu AIIMS is already functional, the Kashmir AIIMS is on track for completion by November this year. The Advisor also assessed progress on faculty recruitment and procurement of high-end medical equipment to ensure world-class healthcare delivery in these prestigious institutions.

He also assessed the Urban infrastructure projects in Jammu and Srinagar. He also had a detailed review of the telecom connectivity and digital empowerment. He was informed that with the BharatNet initiative, efforts are underway to extend high-speed internet to every corner of the UT, including its most remotest of villages.

Simultaneously, IT reforms being executed in collaboration with BISAG-N were reviewed, with a thrust on making administration more transparent, accountable and accessible through digital platforms and integrated governance tools.

Summing up the review, the Advisor expressed satisfaction with the scale of progress while underlining the need for timely execution, inter-agency coordination and people-centric outcomes. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to give utmost priority to Jammu and Kashmir, transforming the region into a model of inclusive development and digital governance.