The planned Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus from April 7 is a dream come true for many people on both sides of the Line of Control, which separates India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir [Images].

Personnel of Border Roads Organisation's Project Beacon and the Indian Army have been working round the clock to prepare the Uri-Baramulla road for the big event.

"Renovating and de-mining a road that is not being used for more than 50 years is a great challenge. Despite the limited time and the gigantic task at hand, we will complete the work by the end of this month," said a top army officer involved in the project.

This confidence is exuded by both Beacon and the army. Beacon Director General K S Rao and Lieutenant General Harawant Krishan, General Officer Commanding, 19 Infantry, along with other officers, have been inspecting the progress of the road work.

The blurring of the LoC

The army, which had mined the area to curb infiltration by Pakistan-based terrorists, is now busy removing the explosives.

"De-mining is in full swing and we will ensure that the road is totally safe in the stipulated time," an army officer said.

Rocky road to Muzaffarabad

The de-mining of the road from Uri to the Line of Control is being undertaken by jawans of the army's 6th Engineering Regiment.

However, only the road is being de-mined, not the complete area, an officer clarified.

Mediapersons were informed that the Pakistan Road Construction Authority is undertaking work on the other side of the LoC.