||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh July 03, 2024||

New Delhi: In a significant victory for former MLC Vikram Randhawa and the residents of Jammu, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, have decided to redesign the controversial flyover from Kunjwani to Narwal to exclude the much-protested blind wall.

The meeting, held in New Delhi and attended by NHAI officials via video conferencing from Jammu, marks a triumphant conclusion to Randhawa’s persistent campaign against the blind wall. The redesign will now proceed in a way that addresses the concerns of the stakeholders, safeguarding the interests of local businesses and residents alike.

Vikram Randhawa has been a solitary yet unwavering voice from Jammu, challenging the construction of the blind wall despite significant opposition. He raised alarms about the dire consequences the blind wall would have on local businesses, traffic, and daily life. Randhawa’s determination saw him stand against his own party, with only Sham Langar by his side initially, as no leaders from the BJP or Congress initially supported his cause.

The construction of the blind wall threatened to create severe disruptions. It would have obstructed visibility for drivers, leading to potential accidents, and would have severely impacted local businesses by blocking their access and visibility to passing traffic. The local community feared that the blind wall would essentially sever their lifeline to economic activity.

Randhawa’s relentless campaign began with a meeting with Nitin Gadkari in Srinagar, which unfortunately did not yield immediate results. As construction continued, Randhawa took to the streets, leading protests to draw attention to the issue. His unwavering commitment to the cause finally drew the support of prominent party leaders Jugal Kishore MP, Kavinder Gupta, and Devinder Rana.

This coalition of leaders formed a delegation that met with Gadkari to press the issue further. Demonstrating his reputation as a man of development and commitment, Gadkari responded swiftly by convening a meeting with NHAI officials to find a solution.

Nitin Gadkari’s immediate action to address the blind wall issue underscores his dedication to both development and responsiveness to public concerns. Gadkari’s intervention ensured that the voices of the affected stakeholders were heard, and a practical solution was found. His role in calling the crucial meeting and pushing for a redesign showcases his commitment to development that does not come at the cost of economic or social wellbeing.

The positive outcome of today’s meeting signifies a monumental win for Vikram Randhawa and his supporters. The flyover will be constructed without the blind wall, aligning with the needs and demands of the local stakeholders. This decision not only addresses the immediate concerns but also sets a precedent for how infrastructure projects should consider local impacts.

In a similar scenario, the redesigning of infrastructure in Bari Brahmana saw the elimination of a blind wall to protect local businesses, proving that such community-focused solutions are feasible and beneficial.

The efforts of MP Jugal Kishore, Kavinder Gupta, and Devinder Rana in supporting Vikram Randhawa’s cause are commendable. Their collaboration and determination played a crucial role in bringing about this positive resolution.

One pertinent issue that remains is the financial implications, as the contractor has already been paid INR 260 crores for the construction of the blind wall. How these funds will be recovered or settled is a matter that requires careful deliberation to ensure that the project remains financially viable without further burdening the stakeholders.

The redesign of the Kunjwani-Narwal flyover to exclude the blind wall is a landmark achievement, highlighting the power of persistent advocacy and responsive governance. Vikram Randhawa’s unyielding efforts and Nitin Gadkari’s decisive actions exemplify how dedicated individuals and committed leaders can collaborate to ensure development that benefits all. This resolution not only addresses the immediate concerns of the Jammu community but also sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects across the country.