CM interacts with locals at Thard
*Inaugurates Transport Bhawan
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Sept 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the affected stretch of NH-44 at Thard Udhampur to take stock of the ongoing restoration works.
He was accompanied by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs; Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Chenani; Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur; Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Udhampur; Adil Hamid, SSP Traffic; besides senior officers and members of the local public.
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During the visit, R.S. Yadav, Regional Officer J&K NHAI, briefed the Chief Minister about the progress of works including widening, metalling, and restoration of the second tube of NH-44.
He also apprised him of the current single-lane traffic arrangements in place to manage vehicular movement.
The Chief Minister directed the NHAI authorities to expedite the restoration process to ease the movement of commuters and the general public. He instructed the executing agencies to mobilize additional men and machinery to ensure timely completion, underlining that safe and smooth road connectivity is the top priority of the Government.
Later, the Chief Minister interacted with local residents at Thard, patiently listening to their grievances.
He assured them that the Government is making every possible effort to fully restore NH-44 at the earliest and provide necessary relief to both commuters and the public.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Transport Bhawan at Bemina, Srinagar, marking a major step towards bringing all transport-related services under one roof and strengthening the office infrastructure of Transport Department in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bhawan will serve as a central hub for transport administration and services, housing the offices of the Transport Commissioner J&K, Joint Transport Commissioner, Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir, ARTOs, and other allied sections.
Bringing these offices under one roof is expected to enhance efficiency, coordination, and public service delivery.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched PVC Registration Certificates-a modern initiative designed to provide durable, tamper-resistant, and convenient registration cards to vehicle owners. Replacing the traditional paper-based format, the new PVC cards will not only improve service quality but also help reduce misuse.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa, Transport Commissioner J&K Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir Qazi Irfan Rasool, besides senior officers and officials of the Transport Department.
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