Bandipora, June 8: Ahead of the visit of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to Kashmir, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Monday reiterated the long-pending demand for granting National Highway status to the Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez road corridor.
Addressing a press conference in Bandipora, Bhat criticized the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department for what he termed its “poor performance” in managing the Srinagar–Bandipora road.
He alleged that despite the availability of funds and completion of tendering formalities, work on key bridges, including those at Garoora and Naninara, has either not started or is progressing at a sluggish pace.
He said the issue has already been taken up with the Union Government through various platforms and that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also communicated the demand for National Highway status to the Union Minister.
Bhat maintained that Bandipora has suffered from official neglect for decades despite possessing significant tourism potential and hosting major hydroelectric projects. He said delays in infrastructure development are causing hardships to patients, students, employees, transporters and daily commuters.
“If the Union Government is unable to immediately grant National Highway status because of procedural requirements, there is still no justification for the lackadaisical approach in maintaining and upgrading the road. Funds are available, tenders have been floated, yet work remains stalled,” he said.
The MLA said he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to personally inspect the delayed projects and fix accountability. He expressed concern that while major infrastructure projects are being inaugurated elsewhere in Kashmir, residents of Bandipora continue to feel isolated and neglected.
In an open letter addressed to Gadkari, Bhat highlighted the strategic, economic and developmental importance of the Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez road. He described the route as the lifeline of a frontier region along the Line of Control, serving thousands of residents and playing a vital role in tourism, emergency services, economic activity and national security.
The letter emphasizes that Bandipora and Gurez possess immense tourism and economic potential, citing attractions such as Wular Lake, the Gurez and Tulail valleys, and the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project. However, inadequate road infrastructure continues to hinder growth and connectivity, he noted.
Bhat urged the Union Minister to initiate the process for granting National Highway status to the corridor, arguing that it meets all criteria relating to strategic importance, regional connectivity and socio-economic significance.
He said such a decision would strengthen border infrastructure, boost tourism, improve public safety and provide long-term economic benefits to North Kashmir.
“The people of Bandipora, Sonawari and Gurez have been waiting for this decision for years. Granting National Highway status to this road would be a historic step towards the development of the region and a strong message of commitment to frontier areas,” Bhat said.
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