Decades Of Disconnect
Successive governments in JK have failed to ensure all-weather surface connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu despite countless promises
Years on, highway expansion sees no end; Govt sleeps; No work in sight on Udhampur-Ramban, Banihal-Ramban stretches
The much-awaited four-laning of Udhampur-Ramban stretch of Srinagar-Jammu highway is likely to face delay as the lowest bid received by the government has surpassed its estimated cost of Rs 1300 crore, sources said.
As per reports, the lowest bid for the road widening of 44-km Udhampur-Ramban stretch—which was also approved as National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-II by the central government—was Rs 1710 crore, at least Rs 400 crore more than the estimated cost set by the government.
To get a green signal from the Centre, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)— the executing agency for the project—has to justify escalation in cost after having floated tenders with base estimated cost of Rs 1331 crore.
“Considering the tough terrain, it is next to impossible to cover it in the base price,” said an official, who wished not to be named.
He said now the NHAI will submit a justification report to the Centre for approval of the Union Cabinet.
“After the Cabinet nod, it will be awarded to the bidder for execution,” the official said.
Sources said earlier the government found “difficulties” in find a bidder for widening of the Udhampur-Ramban section on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and was forced to float tenders with revised rates.
Sources said so far only three players have expressed their interest in investing in the project and bids have been sealed, earlier this month.
“Only three bidders expressed interest in Udhampur-Ramban road and tenders have been sealed for final selection,” sources in the NHAI said, adding, “Lowest bidder has sought Rs 400 crore more for the project, which we have to verify and justify before making the final allotment.”
Talking to us, Project Director NHAI, R P Singh confirmed that due to “subtle variations in the base price and lowest bid, the project stands hanging.”
He said work is on to frame a separate report to justify the cost escalation and submit it to the Central Government for Cabinet’s approval.
“The process will take a few days and physical work on the project is likely to commence in April this year,” he said.
On other clearances including no objection from the Forest department, he said, “The Forest and Ecology department has given its approval for the project and the government is also looking for other administrative arrangements regarding compensation of locals whose land has been acquired for the project.”
Pertinently, the road widening of Udhampur-Ramban section is the part of ambitious four-laning project of the Jammu-Srinagar highway being executed by the NHAI.
The road will provide all weather connectivity to Kashmir Valley which remains cut off with rest of the world during harsh winter due to closure of the highway following snowfall and incessant rains.
The four-laning project has been divided into six sub-projects, which include widening of Jammu-Udhampur section (65 km), Chenani-Nashri tunnel (9.2 km), widening of Ramban-Udhampur section (43.3 km), Banihal-Ramban section (36 km), Qazigund-Banihal road (15.25 km) and Srinagar-Banihal section (67.7 km).
So far 95.30 % work has been completed on Jammu-Udhampur section, while 68.88 % work is complete on Chenani-Nashri tunnel, 33.20% and 30% on Srinagar-Banihal and Qazigund-Banihal road respectively.
However, tenders were not awarded in favor of Ramban-Udhampur and Banihal-Ramban stretches yet.
With completion of these projects the average speed of vehicles would also increase and distance between the capital cities (Jammu-Srinagar) would also reduce.
