Deputy CM visits Udhampur NH-44 stretch, orders faster restoration

Udhampur, Sep 19: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday visited the affected stretch of the NH-44 at Thard here and held an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing restoration works.

As per an official statement, During the visit, Regional Officer, NHAI, R S Yadav, briefed the Deputy Chief Minister about the status of ongoing restoration works, including widening as well as restoration of the second tube of NH-44. He also apprised him about the laying of the WBM layer so that the traffic movement can run smoothly and the surface is maintained properly.

The Deputy Chief Minister, while interacting with officers of NHAI, directed them to expedite the restoration process for the convenience of commuters and the general public. He further instructed the executing agencies to mobilise men and machinery and work in double shifts for restoration of the second tube to ensure timely completion of the works. He stressed that the restoration of safe and smooth connectivity of the National Highway remains the top priority of the government.

Choudhary also appreciated the efforts made by the regional officer of the NHAI and his entire team for the restoration of NH-44.

During the visit, the Deputy CM also enquired about the stranded vehicles on NH-44 and directed for smooth facilitation of all these vehicles.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister also interacted with the local residents at Thard and listened to their grievances regarding the damage caused to houses. He assured them that every possible effort is being made by the government to compensate and rehabilitate the affected families.