Jmu-Sgr highway has 19 toilet blocks: Govt tells Assembly

Srinagar, Feb 07: The government on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH-44), one of the busiest road corridors in the Union Territory, is equipped with public washroom facilities and that more such amenities are being developed to improve commuter convenience. The information was shared by the Minister Incharge, Public Works Department (PWD), in a written reply to a question raised by MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad, regarding the availability of public washrooms and lavatories along the highway. The minister acknowledged that NH-44 is among the busiest highways in the region and plays a vital role in connecting Jammu with the Kashmir valley. Responding to concerns over sanitation facilities, the government said that at present, 19 toilet blocks are operational at toll plazas and other locations along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. In addition, the house was informed that 10 highway Nest Mini units, each equipped with toilet facilities, are functional at different points along the highway to cater to the needs of travellers. The government further stated that around 10 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) have been provisioned under projects entrusted to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). These facilities are currently at various stages of implementation and are expected to further enhance infrastructure support for road users once completed. The minister also highlighted that toilet facilities have been made mandatory at all fuel outlets located along National Highways. This requirement forms part of the conditions laid down by NHAI while granting access permission to fuel stations. The government's response comes amid growing public demand for better roadside amenities on NH-44, which witnesses heavy traffic movement throughout the year, including passenger vehicles, freight transport and tourist traffic.