Budgam, Oct 23 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the National Conference (NC) government is making every effort to ensure development across Jammu and Kashmir.
“I am trying my best to bring progress in every area. This was my purpose of coming to Beerwah today,” Omar told reporters during his visit to Budgam district, where he inaugurated a bridge over Nallah Sukhnag and laid foundation stones for key infrastructure projects worth around Rs 25 crore in Beerwah, Budgam. He said a new receiving station is expected to become operational within four to five months.
The CM, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), inaugurated a two-span truss girder bridge over Nallah Sukhnag, constructed at Rs 8 crore, describing it as a long-pending demand of the local population. The bridge, he said, had been completed and opened to the public to improve connectivity and ease movement for residents.
Abdullah also laid the foundation stones for the beautification of Nallah Sukhnag, including the development of walkways, decks and lighting, and the beautification of Beerwah town. “The town beautification project has an estimated cost of around Rs 6.33 crore, while the riverfront works are aimed at improving public spaces and enhancing the area’s appeal for visitors,” he said.
He said development works are being pursued in coordination with local MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani and reiterated that the government is committed to improving civic amenities and infrastructure in the constituency.
On electricity infrastructure, Omar said a 10 MVA receiving station at Sail, approved at Rs 4.50 crore under the UT Capex Budget, is expected to become operational within four to five months. “The facility is expected to ease the load on neighbouring receiving stations, address winter overloading, improve voltage levels in Sail and adjoining villages and reduce unscheduled power cuts and technical losses,” he said.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a transformer repairing workshop in Beerwah, approved at Rs 4.85 crore under the UT Capex Budget 2026–27. “The facility is envisaged as a dedicated centre for repairing and rebuilding damaged distribution transformers, with the capacity to reclaim around 1,000 transformers annually,” he said.
Abdullah said the workshop would help reduce the time required to repair damaged transformers and address the difficulties faced by residents, particularly during winter, when electricity demand rises. “God willing, we will complete the workshop as soon as possible,” he said.
The CM also laid the foundation stone for a Sub-Divisional Office building at Sonpah, Beerwah, approved at Rs 82.29 lakh under the UT Capex Budget 2026–27. The proposed building is expected to provide dedicated administrative space, streamline office functioning and improve access to public services. Work on the project has recently commenced.
Recalling his association with Beerwah, Omar Abdullah said the constituency’s voters had supported him in the 2014 Assembly elections and that he would remain indebted to them throughout his life.
On pending road works, he said several projects had been delayed due to difficulties in procuring construction material amid the prevailing war-like situation. "The government will continue its efforts to complete pending works this year and take up additional road projects, including the main road in Beerwah," he said.
Regarding the demand for a stadium, Omar said a suitable site would first be identified in consultation with the local MLA and Deputy Commissioner Budgam, following which the Sports Department would take up its development.
On the proposed highway route and concerns over its possible impact on local businesses, he said the government had taken up the matter with the highway authorities and would try to address the demands of residents.
The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to completing pending development works and ensuring progress across Jammu and Kashmir. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Beerwah Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwini Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Jatin Kishore and other senior officers—(KNO)