ERA takes up Rs 461 crore road project in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 21: The Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), an independent body to support infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, has taken up a Rs 461 crore road construction programme in the Valley.

The programme would cover a road length of 579 km and include construction of 28 bridges involving Rs 76 crore and a flyover at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore.

This was informed at a high-level meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Basharat Ahmed Dhar to review implementation of various road projects undertaken by the ERA.

The meeting also discussed threadbare the modalities for removing various bottlenecks, shifting of electric poles, drinking water pipes and other utilities, in the execution of the major road reconstruction programme.

It was informed that the work on seven road projects of 160-km length had already started at a cost of Rs 120 crore.

Similarly, the work for construction of seven bridges at an expenditure of Rs 8 crore has been allotted. The work on these bridges would start soon.

The issues of rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced people, compensation for structures removed in the upgrade of roads and the acquisition of land for the purpose also came up for discussion in the meeting.

Mr Dhar directed various departments concerned to submit details of financial implications involved for relaying of electric and water lines besides compensation for those affected by the project.

The Divisional Commissioner asked the officials concerned to submit a report by the end of next month so that the work on other roads was undertaken from March this year.

He called for greater coordination among various departments to make the road project a role model.

UNI