Suhail Rather

Bandipora, July 23 (KNS) : Days after public criticism mounted over Bandipora’s inaction on road widening compared to neighbouring districts in Sopore, the government has technically sanctioned the long-awaited project to upgrade the Sopore-Bandipora road on the Bandipora constituency side.

According to an official document issued by the Office of the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) North Kashmir, the "Strengthening, Widening and Upgradation of Sopore–Bandipora Road (KM 4th to 19th)" has received technical approval under Phase-I. First, about six kilometres will be widened immediately.

The project, sanctioned at a total cost of 9.44 Crore is to be executed under NABARD’s RIDF–XXX funding, with construction cost pegged at Rs 8.6 Crore and maintenance cost at Rs 83.53 lakhs.

The project approval follows after KNS reported about the people’s resentment over the district administration's undue wait for central funding and not doing anything under district capex.

KNS reported that residents criticised local authorities for their passive approach, especially when the Baramulla district administration had already widened the Sopore–Watlab segment through a phased district plan approach without waiting for central funds.

“This is a welcome development but overdue. We hope this is not another announcement on paper,” said a local resident, referring to years of delay despite increasing vehicular pressure and public demand for a better road.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

An official told that the Superintending Engineer of PWD (R&B) Circle Bandipora had submitted the indent earlier this month, following which the sanction was approved by the Chief Engineer on July 23. The project is to be executed by the Public Works Department.

“We had raised questions about why Bandipora was lagging behind despite the strategic importance of this corridor. It seems that the administration finally woke up,” said Mohammad Waseem, a civil society member.

Officers informed that in phase-1,  5-kilometers will be widened and work will be started soon. “Simultaneously approval for other phases will come,” he added. The sanctioned road work will cover the 15-kilometre stretch within Bandipora jurisdiction, which has long remained narrow and degraded, causing frequent traffic snarls and safety hazards.

Officials have been directed to adhere strictly to procurement and quality standards outlined in GFR 2017 and relevant engineering manuals.

The project is expected to significantly ease mobility in the region once completed.

Locals have called for time-bound execution and transparency in the process, warning that any further delay would only deepen public distrust.(KNS)