CM Omar Reviews PWD Projects, Launches Works Worth Rs 152 Crore | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday conducted a high-level review of projects being executed by the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department at a meeting held in the PWD Conference Hall, Gandhi Nagar. During the session, he laid the foundation stone for R and B projects worth Rs 119 crore through virtual mode and e-inaugurated projects valued at Rs 33 crore.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretaries Dheeraj Gupta and Anil Kumar Singh, Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda, Engineer-in-Chief PWD, senior engineers, and representatives from BEACON, SAMPARK, NHAI, NHIDCL, along with other officials. All Deputy Commissioners and field officers joined via video conferencing.

Omar Abdullah reviewed major road and bridge projects across Jammu and Kashmir, including works executed by BEACON, SAMPARK, NHAI, NHIDCL, and PWD (R and B). The meeting focused on rapid restoration of road connectivity, permanent restoration works, and revival of long-pending bridges, particularly in vulnerable and strategically important areas.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over delays in several projects, instructing officials to set clear timelines, identify bottlenecks, and expedite forest clearances to avoid procedural delays affecting project execution. He emphasised that slow work undermines infrastructure development and causes inconvenience to the public.

Special attention was directed towards maintaining existing roads where tunnels and major highway works are underway. Omar Abdullah also stressed compliance with the Forest Conservation Act for new projects, urging early and continuous engagement with the Forest Department to prevent delays.

The meeting reviewed achievements under Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) for 2025–26, with the Chief Minister calling for optimal fund utilisation and outcome-based planning. He also instructed the preparation of technically sound Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for flyovers and road projects in Srinagar and Jammu to address growing urban traffic congestion.

Highlighting the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure, he directed that all road projects must include proper drainage systems to prevent rainwater damage.

Omar Abdullah concluded by reaffirming infrastructure development as a government priority, urging all agencies to ensure quality, coordination, and visible improvements in connectivity and public convenience. Earlier, he inaugurated the renovated PWD Conference Hall and distributed appreciation letters to engineers.