Srinagar : Over a month after J&K handed over the twin routes to cave shrine in south and central Kashmir to the Border Roads Organizations (BRO) for maintenance, Project Beacon has deployed its men and machinery in the Baltal – Holy cave route for its upliftment to achieve a significant progress before the onset of winters, officials said
J&K government transferred tracks leading to Shri Amarnathji Holy cave to BRO for development, maintenance and management on September 6.
“Within a month of track being handed over to BRO, a significant change can be observed in the initial stretch of the track.” a BRO statement said.
It said as part of Project Beacon’s restoration and widening of 13.2 km Shri Amarnathji Yatra track, narrow stretches and critical slide points are being repaired and widened on a war footing.
“Project Beacon has deployed its men and machinery in the Baltal – Holy cave route for its upliftment to achieve a significant progress before the onset of winters. Men and machinery were stage forwarded by Project Beacon to Domail on September 13, for starting restoration activities,” it added.
The work on the track commenced on September 29, after a joint survey was carried out by all the concerned departments with BRO.
“Amidst various challenges posed by the terrain and weather, the pace of activities for restoration and improvement of track remains uninterrupted and target milestones are being achieved and monitored on a daily basis,” it said
The primary focus of personnel of Project Beacon is to initially increase the track width at slide points and critical/risky stretches.
“By improving the gradient, stabilizing slide points and continuing permanent works on the track in future courses of action, the track will be revamped to minimize travel time and minimize hazardous incidents,” the statement said.
In terms of progress, as on date formation cutting on initial stretch of 3.8 km is under progress, it added.
Dozers, excavators, rock breakers and tractors have been deployed all along the stretch for improvement activities.
“Never before, this kind of heavy equipment and machinery have been inducted ahead of Domail,” the statement added.
Chief Engineer of Beacon visited the site today and reviewed progress and to take stock of improvement activities happening on ground.
He motivated the team to work with full enthusiasm and give their best to improve the present status of track with high quality standards. Never before, this kind of heavy equipment and machinery have been inducted ahead of Domail. Project Beacon is continuously working to improve the road infrastructure in Kashmir Valley.