Highway of Hope:National Highway and Nusoo–Potushay Bypass: Game Changers for Bandipora
Malik Nazir
Bandipore, known for its three A’s — Alim (knowledge), Adab (culture), and Aab (water) lies beside the serene Wular Lake, adding to the district’s historical depth and natural charm. It is a land that carries stories of both struggle and hope. One important chapter dates back to December 1962, when a devastating fire reduced the main town to ashes. Under the leadership of the then Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Jenab Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, the town was rehabilitated with remarkable planning. Land was distributed fairly, roads were laid carefully, and people were resettled in an organized manner. This gave birth to “Plan Vicinity,” a locality whose roads, built more than six decades ago, remain strong and in many ways superior to the main Bandipora–Srinagar road.
However, over the years, the population has grown, vehicles have multiplied, and the economy has expanded, while the town’s infrastructure has largely remained the same. The market area lacks a proper parking system, forcing people from nearby villages to park in Plan Vicinity.
What was once a peaceful residential area has slowly turned into a parking ground and commercial hub. The result is congestion, narrow lanes, inconvenience for residents, and a market that struggles to meet present-day needs.
The persistent congestion in Bandipora reflects a much deeper infrastructural challenge that demands a long-term solution. Upgrading the Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez road to National Highway status is the most logical and impactful remedy. Such an upgradation would not only improve regional connectivity but also provide enormous economic and social benefits to the entire North Kashmir region.
For the people of Gurez Valley, who remain cut off for months during the harsh winter, this road would be nothing short of a lifeline. Reliable connectivity would ease civilian hardships, improve mobility for essential services, and strengthen the region’s overall safety and security.
Equally crucial to Bandipora’s future is the proposed Nussu–Potushay Bypass. Far more than a simple road, the bypass would serve as an artery for growth and sustainability. By diverting heavy traffic away from the congested town center, it would decongest the market, restore peace to residential areas, and create a smoother flow for local commuters. Beyond its immediate benefits, the bypass would also open new corridors for trade, tourism, and investment helping Bandipora evolve into a more organized and livable town.
Encouragingly, recent developments have reignited hope. The authorities, as in the past, have submitted a detailed memorandum to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), strongly advocating and requesting the upgradation of the Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez to be given a national highway status and the early sanctioning of the Nussu–Potushay Bypass.
For decades, the people of Bandipora have been raising the demand for a National Highway and a functional bypass. These projects are not just infrastructural needs, they are essential to the district’s sustainable growth, economic stability, and social well-being.
This demand, if accepted, aligns with the national vision of the Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari ji, whose transformative leadership has redefined road connectivity across India.His commitment to linking even the remotest regions through modern highways has brought visible progress to many parts of the country, and Bandipora now looks forward to becoming a part of that transformative journey.
“Upgrading the Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez road to National Highway status is the most logical and impactful remedy. For the people of Gurez Valley, this road would be nothing short of a lifeline.”
As one elderly resident expressed with heartfelt simplicity,”Our town was rebuilt with planning and hope after the fire of 1962. The National Highway and the bypass are today’s hope for our children, our traders, and everyone who travels through Bandipora.”
Roads are more than physical structures; they are lifelines of development. For Bandipora, the Nussu–Potushay Bypass brings both relief and opportunity, while the dream of a National Highway embodies hopes of security, progress, and growth. Bandipora has shown resilience before, and today it seeks renewed support so that better roads may once again open new horizons of prosperity for the district and its people.
The writer resides in Plan, Bandipora, and can be reached at maliknazir.a@gmail.com.
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