The Jammu and Kashmir government has sought approval from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to declare key roads in Bandipora as National Highways, aiming to boost strategic and economic connectivity in the district.
In a written reply to Bandipora lawmaker Nizam-ud-Din Bhat’s question, deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who also holds the Planning and R&B portfolio stated that the government is actively pursuing the upgradation of vital road links.
Two crucial routes, Sangrama-Sopore-Watlab-Bandipora-Sumbal (78 km) and Sumbal-Bandipora-Gurez, including a proposed tunnel at Razdan Pass (128 km), have been recommended for National Highway status, he said. However, final approval from the Union Ministry is still awaited.
Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Vertical-IV, efforts are underway to enhance rural road connectivity, he said.
The project, spanning from 2024-25 to 2028-29, aims to connect habitations with a population of 250+ as per the 2011 Census.
The Gram Sadak Survey App is currently being used for a detailed habitation survey, including in Bandipora district, to identify priority areas for new road links.
“Once completed, a proposal will be sent to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for approval,” he added—(KNO)
