DODA, Jun 2: In a major development for the residents of Doda town, the long-awaited Bus Stand–Tondwah Nagri Phase-I road project has finally been allotted by the Executive Engineer (XEN), PWD Doda, bringing renewed hope for improved traffic management and connectivity in the district.
The project, originally initiated in 2008, remained stalled for several years due to multiple legal challenges. The matter was contested through various petitions, including OWP No. 1189/2010, OWP No. 349/2011, and OWP No. 1358/2013, before the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu. Following the disposal of all petitions, a common judgment delivered on May 20, 2024, directed the authorities to complete the project within six months.
The road project underwent further administrative delays after the reorganisation of the Public Works Department under Government Order No. 43-JK(HUD) dated February 4, 2023, which brought the work under the jurisdiction of the Chief Engineer, R&B Chenab Circle, Batote. Issues related to funding and delegation of powers under SO 15 dated January 9, 2020, also contributed to the delay.
After resolving these hurdles, the department floated tenders through E-NIT No. 14 dated February 1, 2025. The project, with an advertised cost of Rs 1.98 crore, has now been awarded at a cost of Rs 1.46 crore to Sanjay Kumar Thakur, a contractor from Kishtwar, on May 20, 2026.
Once completed, the road is expected to significantly improve urban mobility in Doda town. It will connect with the Tondwah Circular Road, providing an alternative route for incoming and outgoing traffic and reducing congestion around the busy Clock Tower area. The project is also expected to enhance access for emergency services, ensuring better connectivity to all parts of the town.
Residents have welcomed the development and expressed hope that the Public Works Department and Revenue Department, under the current district administration, will ensure the timely execution of the project so that its benefits reach the public without further delay.