Road macadamisation touches record high in J&K

SRINAGAR NOV 22: Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a record-breaking pace in road macadamization, with over 22 kilometers of roads being macadamized each day in the Union Territory.
This is for the first time when 22 kms of roads are macadamised daily in the Union Territory. Four years ago, less than 10 kms of roads were being macadamised per day in J&K.
Official figures reveal that over 21,000 km of roads have been macadamised for the last three years in Jammu and Kashmir. This indicates around 22 kms of roads are macadamised per day in the Union Territory.
Although the macadamisation of roads have been stopped in Kashmir valley in view of cold weather, it is still going in parts of the Jammu region.
A senior official of the Roads and Buildings Department said there are strict orders from the administration to ensure there is no compromise with the quality of material being used in macadamisation of roads.
“Government has directed to take strict action against any contractor if found involved in using poor quality material,” the official said.
There has been a rapid pace of developmental works for the last several years. All these projects are contributing to the prosperity and well-being of citizens in remote areas, enhance tourism potential, and connect important commercial centres.
J&K government has embarked on a mission to reach out to unconnected habitations with road connectivity, strengthen and expand the intra UT road network, especially in rural and remote areas.
Due to better road connectivity, the travel times across Jammu and Kashmir has been reduced.
For instance, the travel time from Jammu to Kishtwar has been reduced from 7.5 hrs to 5 hrs and travel time from Jammu to Srinagar has been reduced from 7-12 hours to 5.5 hours for LMVs.
Enhanced road infrastructure has also brought substantial advantages to Gujjar Bakerwals, farmers, and other marginalized communities in the area. The increased connectivity allows them to market their goods at improved prices and access a broader customer market, leading to heightened income and economic prospects.
Simultaneously, the upgraded road system is drawing a greater number of tourists to the region. This surge in tourism plays a pivotal role in expanding the tourism industry, generating employment prospects, and fostering local economic development, as per officials.