Border Roads Organisation Briefs Union Minister on Strategic Projects in Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha Constituency

New Delhi: Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, Chief of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today to provide insights into the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the Chattergala tunnel project, in the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency.

Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the BRO for successfully undertaking and completing numerous projects in the constituency over the last nine-and-a-half years. These projects include challenging road and bridge constructions, with a notable achievement being the establishment of road connectivity up to the Zero Line on the International Border (IB) for the first time.

The Lok Sabha constituency has witnessed substantial advancements in road and bridge construction, with significant projects such as the Atal Setu at Basohli, Keediyan Gadyal and Juthana bridges in Kathua, Devika Bridge at Udhampur, and a new National Highway from Khilani-Marmat in Doda to Sudhmahadev, among others.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the inauguration of seven BRO bridges by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in Kathua district, including the Benadi bridge constructed in just 90 days, setting a record.

The Union Minister emphasized the significance of the proposed Chattergala tunnel, which will connect districts Kathua and Doda, reducing travel time from Doda to Lakhanpur to approximately four hours. The Chattergala Project involves a 6.8 Km long tunnel and is expected to take about four years for completion, with an estimated construction cost of Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,500 crore.

Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the BRO Director General to expedite the Chattergala project, emphasizing its potential to be a game-changer for the region, fostering economic growth, job creation, and tourism development.

The Minister informed that he had sought financial support for the BRO from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and the response was positive, with instructions issued to explore the best way to provide assistance.

Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the transformative impact of infrastructure projects in the region, emphasizing the Chattergala tunnel as a crucial development for the districts of Kathua and Doda. He highlighted the positive outcomes of the BRO’s persistent efforts in maintaining roads to the highest standards and deploying modern snow clearance equipment.

The meeting concluded with Lt Gen Srinivasan providing updates on new BRO road and bridge projects in the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, aligning with the government’s focus on enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in strategically important regions.