A delegation of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its Co-Chairman Rahul Sahai along with other senior members met Riten Kumar Singh, Executive Director, NHIDCL in his office. Rahul Sahai briefed Riten Kumar Singh about the issues being faced by members of PHDCCI and general public at large and requested for early resolution. The issues discussed were Modification of Canal head Crossing, Improvement of Existing road from Bakshi Nagar Bridge to BSF Gate Construction of Drainage and Sewerage at Canal Road along with the road widening of Jammu – Akhnoor Highway, Re allocation of Electric poles, Street Lighting at Akhnoor road Lack of direction Signage, Construction Level Higher than Road Level and Green Walkway on left bank of Canal on Jammu-Akhnoor Road. Vikrant Kuthiala while adding mentioned that due to the ongoing Construction Work of 4 Lanning and Flyover of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, a large number of Street Lights have either become defunct or defective from the stretch of Canal Head to Muthi. As a result the area is totally devoid of any street lights and an open invitation to anti social elements, He also Mentioned that due to the widening of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, the Walk-way and the Greenery along Ranbir Canal is going to be substantially reduced, thereby reducing the green cover of the city. He suggested that the Green Walkway should be developed on left bank of the canal. He also mentioned that earlier Akhnoor Road had clearly marked route signage’s to assist the traffic; however after commencement of construction work all such signage have been removed. He requested that the builder be directed to install temporary signage till completion of road works. He also mentioned the issues of road level to ED NHIDCL.He also requested NHIDCL to direct S.P.Singla & Co. to maintain the road in proper motor-able condition. Nandan Kuthiala mentioned that 4 (Four) busy roads namely Akhnoor Road, Talab Tillo, Bhagwati Nagar and Jewel Chowk road meet at the crossing of Canal Head. He mentioned that. As per the present drawings, the Crossing would become Accident Prone and a Potential Traffic Choke Point between the proposed road and Canal there is 10 Kanals of Govt. land,He requested that if The Right of Way (ROW) of this land is with the Govt. and “if the road alignment is shifted onto this ROW (Marked) Land, this will make the crossing STRAIGHT instead of S” and the flow of Traffic from Akhnoor Road to Bhagwati Nagar & 4th Bridge would also be “STRAIGHT”. Then only an integrated Traffic Light System at Canal Head Crossing would be required for the smooth flow of traffic. Sanjay Aggarwal requested for the expeditious completion of this segment of the highway as the construction has totally disrupted commercial activity in the area in addition to making life difficult for the residents due to constant disturbance and lack of proper approach to their establishments. The monsoons have further aggravated the problems of the residents & commercial establishments. He also drew E D’s attention to the fact that there is no drainage and sewerage system between the stretches from canal head on House side till Bakshi Nagar Bridge. This part of the city has not been included in the drainage and sewerage project..This problem multiplies particularly during the rains when the rain water from the road floods the houses. Praising the efforts by PHDCCI, Jammu Riten Kumar singh gave a patience hearing to the issues raised by PHDCCI delegation and assured that he shall immediately look into the issues. He also mentioned that they are aware of the issues faced by residence of Akhoor road and assured full corporation in early resolution of the same. The meeting was attended by Ajay Gandotra (Senior member, PHDCCI, Jammu), Nandan Kuthiala (Senior member, PHDCCI, Jammu)GM (P), Sanjay aggarwal (Senior member, PHDCCI, Jammu), NHIDCl R. P . Mishra,GM (P) S.P.S. Sangwan, DGM (P) John Vali Sheikh , Manager (P) Hitesh Kumar, Site engineer Zeeshan along with other senior officers of NHIDCL Jammu.
