JAMMU: In a major infrastructural breakthrough for border connectivity, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Jammu Minga Sherpa announced that the double-laning of the crucial 18-kilometre Jourian-Pallanwala arterial road has received formal administrative approval, with ground execution set to commence in March 2027 following the completion of statutory land acquisition proceedings.
Addressing a large gathering of border residents during a Block Diwas public outreach programme held in Khour sub-division, the DC assured the community that immediate remedial repairs, including systematic pothole-filling and surface patch work, would be undertaken along the entire stretch to alleviate commuter inconvenience until major civil widening gets underway.
Addressing defense land coordination issues that often impact border infrastructure, Sherpa stated that necessary clearances and land transfers are being proactively coordinated with the Defence Estates Officer. Responding to long-standing representations regarding safety bunkers in frontier habitations, he clarified that comprehensive site feasibility data has already been transmitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, paving the way for construction sanctions shortly.
“Strengthening the socio-economic framework of frontier communities remains an absolute policy priority. Under the Vibrant Villages Programme-2, extensive targeted infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood projects have been mapped out for forward border hamlets,” the DC remarked.
Sherpa took serious note of local staffing gaps across educational institutions, health centers, and revenue circles, while directing that infrastructure deficits at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Khour and Government Degree College (GDC) Khour be prioritised for augmentation. Concerns surrounding civic and safety issues near the Kaleeth Firing Range were also recorded for escalation with appropriate military and civil authorities.
Prior to the outreach session, the DC inspected vulnerable embankments along the Chenab river near Muthi Maira to review ongoing flood protection and bund reinforcement works.
The administrative outreach was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Sher Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ishita Rathi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Satish Sharma, the Chief Planning Officer, alongside divisional and sub-divisional engineers.
Published by True Roots Media