RAMBAN: The Public Works (R&B) Department Ramban today initiated the up-gradation work on the Patnitop-Sanasar road, starting from the 11th kilometer to the 14th kilometer, with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.91 crore for Phase-1. This project includes the construction of a concrete road and is set to significantly enhance local transportation.
Member District Development Council Batote, Jagbir Das, launched the construction work in presence of Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Ramban, Abhishek Gupta, Assistant Executive Engineer Batote, Satbir Singh, and Assistant Engineer, Abhinandan Gupta, along with other officials and local dignitaries.
The renovation of the road stretch was a long pending demand of local citizens and tourists, which receives heavy snowfall and rainfall all year round. This stretch of the road will be upgraded to intermediate concrete road with adequate cross drainage works, protection works, safety features, etc.
The Patnitop-Sanasar road is a critical 19-kilometer stretch, with the first 10 kilometers managed by GREF (BRO) and the remaining 9 kilometers by PWD (R&B). This latter section has been in poor condition, prompting demands for its improvement due to frequent potholes and adverse weather conditions.
The project aims to upgrade the road to an intermediate concrete road with enhanced drainage and safety features. The DDC Member highlighted that the project will facilitate easier transport, boost tourism, generate employment, and ensure year-round connectivity. The UT Government, led by the Lt. Governor, has also committed to improving connectivity to Sanasar from the Nashri side, he added.
Patnitop and Sanasar are major tourist destinations in Jammu Province, attracting visitors for their natural beauty, adventure activities and religious tourism. The road improvement is expected to increase tourism and support local economic growth along with improvement in the education and healthcare sector.
