He said ageing alignments, rising traffic and commercialisation have caused peak hour congestion and that routine maintenance and repairs are being carried out to sustain trafficability and road safety. Preliminary assessments have been undertaken in identified stretches. Comprehensive widening will require land acquisition, utility shifting and removal of encroachments.
He said land acquisition has been delayed in some stretches due to court litigations and that structures near Nalbal Bridge on the Nowshera–Soura corridor have been acquired, while remaining settlements will follow High Level Committee (HLC) negotiations and legal resolution. Survey work for Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh is under way for one point seven five km. The proposal envisages widening the carriageway from seven point five metre to 21 metre and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will follow.
He reported that a preliminary report for Devi Angan–Hawal Road has been prepared under CRIF for an estimated cost of Rs 312.5 million (mn), including Rs 300 mn for land acquisition and utility shifting and Rs 12.5 mn for development. The project will proceed on scheme approval and fund availability. Works will be taken up in phases.
He added that the Alamgiri Bazar Chowk project is approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for Rs 33.5 mn and includes acquisition of five structures and junction redesign, while the Mirza Kamil Sahib junction redesign is approved for Rs 13.5 mn. The government is cognisant of the need to ensure smooth movement of ambulances and fire services. Upgradation works include resurfacing, strengthening, drainage correction and junction remodelling.
Execution is funded through regular R&B grants and other infrastructure schemes and will depend on inter-departmental coordination, legal clearances and availability of funds. Legislators raised queries on timelines and implementation.