NEW DELHI: In a significant step towards addressing the long-pending demand for better road connectivity in North Kashmir, Congress youth leader Tawheed Sheikh submitted a memorandum to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, requesting National Highway status for the Srinagar-Bandipora road. The memorandum was also presented to Ministers of State (MoS) Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra.
The initiative was taken on the directions of senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat who has been actively pursuing the matter since his election to Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Shortly after assuming office, Bhat raised the issue in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and later wrote a letter to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah urging him to take up the demand with the central government. Within days, the Chief Minister brought the issue to the notice of the Union government.
Today's submission marks another step in the ongoing efforts to push for better road infrastructure in Bandipora. Notably, Tawheed Sheikh has been a vocal advocate for road improvements in the district. His online campaign under the hashtag #BetterRoadsForBandipora has already resulted in noticeable enhancements to the district's road conditions.
The memorandum highlights strategic and socio-economic importance of the Srinagar-Bandipora road. Residents have long been demanding its upgradation to National Highway status, citing its significance for daily commuters, trade, and access to essential services.
It also underlines a tragic incident on January 4 this year when four Indian Army soldiers were martyred due to the narrowness of the road. "The road is so narrow that two vehicles cannot pass at the same time, despite being a critical route for the Indian Army," the memorandum states, emphasizing the urgent need for expansion and modernization.
The residents of Bandipora, along with their elected representative have repeatedly raised this demand with different authorities but it has remained unfulfilled. With this renewed push at the central level, hopes are high that the long-standing demand will finally be addressed under the supervision of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
It appeals to the Union government to take immediate steps to declare the Srinagar-Bandipora road a National Highway, ensuring smooth and safe connectivity for thousands of residents. "We sincerely urge the Hon'ble Minister to consider this issue with priority and ensure this much-needed demand is fulfilled at the earliest," the memorandum states.
