THE Defence Ministry is expected to give permission soon for two key infrastructure projects in Jabalpur, the Dumna Airport Road and the proposed Empire Talkies Square-Bilhari flyover. The assurance was given by Madhya Bharat Area GOC Lieutenant General H S Vandra to Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh during a meeting on Thursday. Lt Gen Vandra met Singh at his Civil Lines residence. They discussed several ongoing and proposed development works in Jabalpur, with special focus on the two road projects. It may be noted that the parts of proposed routes involve Army land. Therefore, Defence Ministry permission is required before the works can move ahead. The Dumna Airport Road project is aimed at improving connectivity to the airport. The Empire-Bilhari flyover is proposed to ease traffic movement in the city. PWD Minister Singh urged the Army authorities to expedite the process. He said the Defence Ministry’s approval would help move forward projects that have been pending for a long time.

 

Lt Gen Vandra said a proposal had already been sent to the Defence Ministry. He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved soon and the required permission would be obtained. The meeting also covered cases involving Army land where people have been living in houses for several years. Singh sought a humanitarian approach in such cases. Lt Gen Vandra said the Army has always taken a positive approach towards matters involving human concerns and would consider such cases sensitively. The duo also discussed a half marathon proposed in Jabalpur in October. Lt Gen Vandra invited Singh to attend the event. The minister accepted the invitation and assured all possible support from the State Government. Singh thanked the Army for its cooperation in matters related to Jabalpur’s development. He said the projects could move towards construction soon after the required Defence Ministry approval.