Sajad Lone Flags Delay in Kashmir Road Projects, Urges Government to Resolve Contractor Rate Dispute
Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone has expressed concern over the continued delay in developmental works across Kashmir, particularly road macadamisation, warning that the Valley’s already limited working season is being wasted due to an unresolved dispute over contractor rates. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In a statement issued on Thursday, Lone said Kashmir has only a short window each year to undertake major infrastructure works, especially road construction and macadamisation. He warned that valuable time is slipping away while developmental projects remain stalled.
Lone said global economic uncertainties have led to increased costs of construction materials. Referring to recent international developments, he noted that the Iran–US conflict has disrupted supply chains, particularly those linked to petroleum products, resulting in higher input costs for road construction.
He said that although the Government has allocated funds under various Roads and Buildings (R&B) and other development schemes, work has yet to begin on the ground even as July is well underway.
According to Lone, the delay is the result of a deadlock between contractors and the Government. Contractors are demanding a revision of rates to reflect rising construction costs, while the Government has so far not agreed to revise them. As a result, road macadamisation and several other development projects have come to a standstill.
Criticising the Government’s approach, Lone said budgetary allocations and official statistics cannot replace actual progress on the ground.
“The Government should not hide behind budgetary allocations and statistics to mask the failure to deliver tangible outcomes,” he said.
He urged the administration to resolve the contractor rate dispute without further delay and ensure that developmental works begin immediately.
Lone cautioned that if the issue is not addressed soon, Kashmir could lose its limited construction season, forcing several important infrastructure projects to be postponed until next year.
(With inputs from KNS)
