Work on Rs 255 cr Mughal Road in full swing: Minister

Jammu, Aug 29 (UNI) Work on the alternative Jammu-Srinagar road link -- Mughal Road project -- involving Rs 255 crore, is going on in full swing to get it completed within the prescribed time, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Roads and Buildings Gulchain Singh Charak said.

Mr Charak, who inspected the work from Bafliaz side in the bordering Poonch district yesterday, directed the Hindustan Construction Corporation Project Manager to further speed up the pace of work to achieve the target within the prescribed time.

''The prestigious Mughal Road project is a cherished dream of people of the state'', he said.

All the hurdles for construction of this road have been cleared and the Supreme Court has also given the go ahead signal for the road to pass through some sanctuary areas, the minister said.

During the current financial year, this fair weather road would be completed upto Pir-Ki-Gali. First 5 km of the road would be black topped and 35 km of it from Bafliaz onwards, would be double laned, Mr Charak was apprised.

Mr Charak said new tourist destinations were being identified along both the sides of the road.

''The magic water at Noorichum, which is named after wife of Mughal Empire Jahangir, would also be developed as a famous tourist destination,'' he said.

Besides being an alternate route to Srinagar-Jammu national highway, the Mughal Road, Mr Charak said, would provide easy to and fro facilities to people and also boost trade and commerce in the state.

UNI