Vinod Bhat
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the vital Nora Bridge along the Lakhanpur-Thein Road in the Basohli sector of Kathua district today. The bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹16.46 crore, fulfills a long-pending public demand and significantly reduces travel time by around two hours.
During the inauguration, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the construction of nine additional underpasses and one flyover at Kalibari along the under-construction Express Corridor, responding to local residents’ requests.
In his address, Dr. Singh highlighted several notable achievements in Kathua during his tenure as a Member of Parliament and in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. These include the completion of the long-pending Juthana Bridge, the launch of North India’s first centrally funded Homeopathic College, approval for the ₹30,345 crore Chattergala project, a decision to shift the Industrial Biotech Park to a Public-Private Partnership model, the completion of the final phase of the Shahpur Kandi project, and the revival of the 100-year-old Ujh Multipurpose Project.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir had been neglected by previous governments for political reasons. However, efforts have been made over the last few years to initiate several new national projects and revive those that had stalled.
Highlighting the convenience offered by the newly announced nine underpasses on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Express Corridor, Dr. Singh stated that local demands are being met, and there are plans to transform Kathua into a major hub for trade and tourism.
While addressing a public rally, Dr. Singh noted that the 191-meter-long Nora Bridge meets a critical need, eliminating inconvenience for residents traveling from Bani to Basohli. The decision for the bridge’s construction was prompted by the submergence of a section of the Nora Nallah in Panchayat Thein of Kathua district.
The Minister reassured attendees that the Juthana Bridge is ready for inauguration soon. He expressed his commitment to development in previously neglected areas, aiming to bring them up to par with more developed regions.
Dr. Singh also mentioned that in response to popular demand and to address local livelihoods concerns, the government plans to construct nine underpasses on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Express Corridor. This includes two at Dayala Check, two at Hatli Morh, two at Rajbagh, two at Chanrorian, and one at Koodah, along with an elevated flyover at Kalibari.
Additionally, the Union Minister informed the gathering that the government approved the Chattergala project last week, which is estimated to cost ₹30,345 crore. The ambitious plan includes a strategic tunnel costing ₹4,245 crore that will connect Kathua to Doda via Basohli, Bani, and Bhaderwah, significantly reducing travel time between Doda and Kathua to just three hours.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also revealed plans for a new road connecting Doda and Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing the region. He noted that various key projects, including the Sudhmahadev Tunnel and new road links connecting several villages, will be game-changers in the development journey for the entire area.
