National Highway Status Sought for Bandipora Roads
The Jammu and Kashmir government is moving forward with an ambitious plan to improve infrastructure in the Bandipora district by seeking approval for National Highway status for two crucial roads. This move is expected to significantly enhance both strategic and economic connectivity in the region.
The roads under consideration for National Highway status are the Sangrama-Sopore-Watlab-Bandipora-Sumbal stretch, spanning 78 km, and the Sumbal-Bandipora-Gurez route, which covers 128 km and includes the proposed construction of a tunnel at the Razdan Pass. The government has already recommended these roads for inclusion in the national highway network, though final approval from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is still awaited.
This initiative is part of a broader vision to upgrade road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and to create a more connected, sustainable, and eco-friendly transportation network. As part of the government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has also been rolled out, focusing on linking habitations with a population of 250 or more. This project will be executed from 2024 to 2029, ensuring that rural areas benefit from improved connectivity.
Experts highlight that this push for National Highway status will not only improve transportation and access to markets but will also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region. Additionally, the new road links will be designed with sustainability in mind, adhering to the principles of low-carbon construction and gender-neutral accessibility.
As the region waits for approval from MoRTH, the future of Bandipora’s infrastructure looks promising, with increased connectivity expected to open new doors for economic growth, tourism, and regional development.
