A transformative infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir—proposing a 70-kilometre road connecting Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew and Tral—is poised to reshape the socio-economic and tourism landscape of South Kashmir.
With a significant reduction in travel distance by approximately 30 kilometres compared to the current route through Anantnag and Bijbehara, the project promises to unlock long-awaited opportunities for regional development. However, its fate now hangs in the balance as it awaits crucial environmental clearances and funding approvals. Estimated at ₹71.10 crore, the proposed route will be developed in two phases: Wahab Sahib Khrew to Pastuna at ₹27 crore, and Bathnoor Karmula to Lehndajan Pahalgam at ₹44.10 crore. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both segments are complete, indicating readiness from a planning perspective. The initiative has gained traction among policy circles as a strategic move to boost rural connectivity, reduce travel time, and open new frontiers for tourism, particularly pilgrimage travel to Pahalgam.
Yet, the project is not without its detractors. Local environmental advocacy groups have raised red flags over the proposed deforestation of 845 trees and acquisition of over 108 kanals—roughly 13.5 acres—of forest land. Situated in a region that is both ecologically sensitive and seismically active, the area is home to diverse flora and fauna. Critics argue that unchecked development could lead to irreversible ecological disruption. On the ground, residents of Khrew and adjacent localities remain cautious. Past experiences with cement factories have left a legacy of environmental degradation and air pollution, prompting fears that another infrastructure-heavy initiative could worsen their already precarious ecological balance. There are concerns about its potential impact on local saffron cultivation, a livelihood source that is both culturally significant and economically vital.
However, many stakeholders also see the road as an opportunity. Local entrepreneurs envision a rise in tourism-driven commerce—from food stalls to guest houses, eco-resorts, and cultural hubs. “Every road that crosses through our village is a new economic corridor,” said a resident of Tral. “We want to see our youth employed, not migrating. This road could give them a reason to stay.” Policy analysts argue that the proposed development must be seen through the lens of inclusive and sustainable growth. With Kashmir’s terrain and ecological richness, the call is not to stall development but to ensure it is green and equitable. The region’s vegetative potential and forest regeneration capacity have also been cited in defence of the project, suggesting that careful afforestation can offset losses.
What remains clear is that the Srinagar–Pahalgam road project is more than an infrastructural plan. It is a test case for how India balances ecological stewardship with regional aspirations for economic empowerment. The state’s leadership, which has confirmed that DPRs are in place, must now walk a fine line—ensuring development is not only about concrete and tarmac but also about communities, forests, and futures. As the wait continues for environmental nods and budgetary allocations, the people of South Kashmir remain hopeful. A road, they believe, could be the bridge to a better tomorrow—if built with vision and responsibility.
Srinagar Pahalgam Road May Redefine South Kashmir
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