Srinagar, Feb 20: The Centre has informed Lok Sabha MP Er Rashid that key road stretches proposed in north Kashmir — including the Lolab–Dardpora–Bandipora and Lolab–Taikpora–Sopore roads — do not fall under the National Highways (NH) network while the strategic tunnels at Machil and Razdan Pass may be considered under a separate Border Roads Organisation (BRO) budget head.
In a letter dated February 9, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari responded to Rashid’s December 1, 2025 communication seeking sanction of new road and tunnel projects in north Kashmir.
Gadkari stated that his ministry is “primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways” and that the proposed roads — “Lolab (Kupwara) to Dardpora-Bandipora” and “Lolab-Taikpora-Sopore Road” — are not notified NHs.
The Minister further conveyed that two proposed tunnels — at Machil in Kupwara and at Gurez in Bandipora — are also not part of the NH network. However, he said the BRO has informed the ministry that tunnels at Razdan Pass and Machil Pass “have been considered to be taken up under Other Than Capital Acquisition (OTCA) budget”.
The OTCA head is typically used by the BRO for strategic infrastructure works, particularly in border areas.
On the question of declaring new highways, Gadkari said the policy for declaration of new National Highways is currently under consultation within the government. “The proposal on declaration of new NHs will be processed once new guidelines/criteria are finalised,” he wrote.
Rashid had sought central intervention for improving connectivity in remote north Kashmir areas, including Lolab, Machil and Gurez — regions that remain cut off for several months during winter due to heavy snowfall and difficult terrain.
The response indicates that while the road stretches may not qualify for NH status under the existing framework, strategic tunnel components could still move forward through the BRO, subject to budgetary approvals.
The development assumes significance amid persistent demands from residents and political representatives for all-weather connectivity to border and remote areas in Kupwara and Bandipora districts.
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