By: Sameer Lone
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has exceeded targets of macadamisation of roads this year.
Against the set target of 1454.02 kilometers, the department has macadamized 1657.58 kilometers in the Valley by the end of the October.
The Roads and Buildings department started the road macadamisation process for the current year in the month of April and escalated the pace of work in October completing 328.88 kilometers in the Valley alone.
The department has accomplished the targets before the beginning of the winter season, when developmental works such as repairing and macadamisation of roads are stalled.
Moreover, the department has completed the construction of 267.47 kilometers black-topped roads, 66.90 kilometers shingled and 41.85 fair weather roads in the valley during this year so far.
Data reveals that a total number of 859 schemes have been completed by the R&B department this year so far.
An official of R&B department said the administration has prioritized the development works particularly building or roads and macadamisation to ensure smooth connectivity between villages and towns.
“Every project was taken on war-footing manner with adequate men and machinery being put in place to complete the targets. All the roads and bridges that were sanctioned for this year have been completed on time,” he said.
The official said the department has also worked on the roads approved under Centrally Sponsored Schemes including NABARD as well.
Officials said that a three level testing is being done to check the quality of material used by the contractors on the road macadamisation.
“First the material is being examined at the plant where from it is procured and then follows sight inspection and the samples are being sent to NIT for further inspection,” he said.
Officials in the Secretariat said that they will continue with the macadamisation as per the requirement and at places where temperature is favourable.
