Avinash Azad
After a suspension of nearly nine months due to financial constraints, work on the Jammu-Akhnoor four-laning project has resumed and is now projected to reach completion by the end of the current financial year.
The ambitious road project, a crucial component of the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) announced in 2015, has faced repeated delays, primarily due to financial setbacks and subletting by the primary contractor, M/s Tarmat Limited.
Financial Crisis Stalled Progress
Sources reveal that the contractor abandoned work in January 2024 after completing nearly 75 percent of the project. Following a reconciliation process between the contractor and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), the contractor was given a revised deadline of December 31, 2024, though officials estimate it will take longer, with completion expected by March 2025. “The delay also stemmed from the J&K government’s inability to complete the land acquisition process on time,” sources added.
Subletting Sparks Controversy
M/s Tarmat Limited subcontracted large portions of the project in 2018 to two local contractors—one from Kashmir and the other from Jammu. Allegedly, these contractors abandoned their responsibilities midway, contributing to the project’s stagnation. Reports suggest that the subletting arrangement breached the terms of the contract and significantly derailed progress. Adding to the controversy, one of the subcontractors was identified as relative of a deceased JKLF member, raising concerns about the vetting process for project stakeholders.
Incomplete Work Persists
Despite significant financial investment, critical sections of the project remain unfinished:
-A 400-meter stretch near Vishwakarma Temple, Mishriwala
-Dummi bypass
– A half-kilometer stretch near Batyara
– Bridges at TV Tower Patoli, Barnai, and Muthi including several other places
The absence of proper service lanes has exacerbated traffic congestion, with daily chaos intensifying during events like the recent Jhiri Mela, where commuters endured hours-long delays.
Penalties and Interventions
NHIDCL has levied penalties amounting to ₹17 crore against M/s Tarmat Limited for project mismanagement, poor traffic management, and safety violations. Despite these measures, substantial progress remains elusive. Earlier this year, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary instructed NHIDCL and local authorities to expedite the project, but on-ground improvements have been minimal.
Public Outcry and Expectations
The delays have sparked widespread frustration among local residents and businesses. Rakesh Gupta, a shopkeeper from Mishriwala, voiced a sentiment shared by many: “Deadlines keep shifting, but there’s no progress. We need accountability and action, not excuses.”
Current Status and Future Outlook
Col Suraj Pal Sangwan, General Manager (Projects), NHIDCL, confirmed that work has resumed and is expected to be completed within two to three months. However, given the history of missed deadlines, skepticism remains.
