The Jammu-Akhnoor four-laning project envisioned as a cornerstone of infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir under the Prime Minister’s Development Package of 2015, has become emblematic of delays, inefficiencies and lack of accountability. Despite its strategic importance as National Highway-144A, this 26.35 km stretch continues to miss deadlines, with the latest target of December 31, 2024, already appearing uncertain. This recurring failure is a testament to poor project management, inadequate oversight and the lack of alignment among key stakeholders. Sanctioned nearly a decade ago, the project was initially projected to be completed by 2021. However, delays have mounted due to reasons ranging from contractor inefficiency to land acquisition hurdles and disputes over bridge designs. These challenges are not new to large-scale infrastructure projects, but what sets this apart is the magnitude of neglect and lack of coordination among agencies. The failure to deliver on time undermines the project’s strategic importance, especially as it serves as a crucial lifeline for commuters and the military alike.
At the heart of this delay is the contracting agency, M/s Tarmat Pvt Ltd, whose inefficiencies have been glaring. Originally awarded the project under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction model in 2019, the contractor’s performance has consistently fallen short of expectations. By July 2021, only 30.73 percent of financial progress had been achieved against a target of 100 percent. Compounding the problem, work on key components like the bridge over the Ranbir Canal near Dumimalpur has not even begun, and disputes over design have further stalled progress. NHIDCL’s decision to place Tarmat on the “Negative List” in 2021 was necessary but insufficient measure. Allowing the same contractor to continue after repeated failures raises questions about due diligence and accountability. While the primary contractor has faced scrutiny, subcontracting practices have further muddied the waters. Tarmat’s decision to outsource parts of the project to local firms with limited expertise has inevitably compromised the quality of work. The subcontractors, in turn, have blamed NHIDCL for delays in payments and land acquisition, highlighting a lack of cohesive communication and planning between stakeholders. NHIDCL’s role as a supervisory body has been far from exemplary, with reports of poor supervision and non-compliance with National Highway norms tarnishing its credibility.
Adding to the woes is the onset of winter, which effectively halts macadamization work until March 2025. Each delay erodes public confidence and increases the project’s overall cost, ultimately burdening taxpayers. This project is a critical link in Jammu’s strategic infrastructure. As a highway frequently used for military logistics, any disruption affects the operational readiness of security forces in this border region. For civilians, the incomplete and bumpy road exacerbates safety concerns and impedes economic growth by stifling trade and connectivity. The loss is not just monetary; nearly a decade of pervasive dust along the 26-km stretch has posed significant health risks, choking countless lungs. This persistent health hazard has been glaringly overlooked, further compounding the project’s negative impact on local communities.
Given the criticality of this project, the Government must adopt a more hands-on approach to ensure timely completion. NHIDCL must strengthen its project monitoring mechanisms. The practice of awarding projects to contractors with a history of inefficiency should be reconsidered. The disputes over land acquisition and design should be addressed proactively. In the case of the Ranbir Canal bridge, where objections from the Irrigation Department have caused delays, a more collaborative approach could have resolved issues much earlier.
The Jammu-Akhnoor four-laning project is a litmus test for the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. While the region has been promised rapid economic growth and connectivity improvements, projects like this cast a long shadow over those promises. Failure to deliver on this project would jeopardise the Government’s broader developmental agenda. For the people of Jammu and Akhnoor, the road to development has already been far too long. It is high time that it reaches its destination.
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