The ambitious double-laning project on the strategically critical Rajouri-Thanamandi-Surankote Road, undertaken by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), appears to be in shambles.
Launched with much fanfare in April 2021, the Rs. 380 crore project was expected to be completed within two years.
However, three years down the line, only 40 percent of the work has been accomplished, and the company engaged in the widening works has reportedly abandoned the project, citing financial woes.
On April 12, 2021, the then District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, Rajesh K. Shavan, inaugurated the much-awaited double-laning project on this vital 55-kilometer road stretch that connects Rajouri Poonch district and Kashmir valley. The project was hailed as a game-changer for the region’s connectivity and security, given the road’s strategic importance. However, the dismal progress so far has raised serious concerns among stakeholders. During a recent review meeting on January 8, 2024, the current Rajouri Deputy Commissioner, Om Prakash Bhagat, had took stock of the ongoing work and revealed the precarious state of affairs. “The company engaged in widening works is backtracking,” Bhagat told The Hidden News. “At least three show-cause notices have been served upon the company. The issue is being addressed at a higher level, and we hope to sort it out soon.”
Sources suggest that the company responsible for the double-laning work is grappling with bankruptcy, further compounding the project’s woes. Subcontractors hired by the company for providing materials, machinery, and other services are reportedly awaiting payments, which has stalled the progress on the ground. The road’s strategic significance gained prominence after a tragic ambush on December 21, 2023, in which four Army jawans were killed, and three others were injured when terrorists attacked two Army vehicles in the Savni area along the Rajouri-Thanamandi-Surankote route. This incident underscored the urgent need for upgrading the road infrastructure to bolster security and ensure smooth movement of convoys.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, is said to be deeply concerned about the delay in completing the road works, especially in the wake of last year’s deadly terrorist attack. However, attempts to reach out to the Commander of the 31 BRTF (Border Roads Task Force), Col Vivek Pandey, for a comment have been unsuccessful due to health issues he is currently facing.
The sluggish pace of the double-laning project on this crucial road has raised serious concerns about the region’s security and connectivity. Local residents and businesses have expressed frustration over the delays, as the road is a vital lifeline for the area, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and personnel.
Experts believe that the project’s failure could have far-reaching implications for the region’s development and security. “The double-laning of the Rajouri-Thanamandi-Surankote Road is not just about improving infrastructure; it’s a strategic imperative,” said, a defense analyst. “Delays in such critical projects can have ripple effects on the overall security scenario in the region.”
As the project hangs in limbo, stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention from higher authorities to resolve the issues surrounding the contractor’s financial troubles and ensure the timely completion of the double-laning work. The fate of this crucial road project will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the region’s future, and all eyes are on the authorities to take decisive action and prioritize its speedy resolution.
