Srinagar, Mar 13: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that it has formally requested the Centre to declare the Srinagar-Gurez road as a National Highway due to its strategic importance and connectivity challenges.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi in the Assembly, the Public Works Department said that Gurez’s geographical position makes it a vital area in terms of security and connectivity. Given its strategic importance, the J&K government has urged the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, to declare the Srinagar-Sumbal-Bandipora-Gurez road, including the proposed tunnel at Razdan Pass, as a National Highway.
The government has made multiple representations to the Centre for this declaration, recognizing the road’s crucial role in improving connectivity, security, and economic development in the region. However, the proposal is still under consideration, and formal approval from the Government of India is awaited.
The demand for better road infrastructure in Gurez has been a long-standing issue, especially given the region’s harsh weather conditions and limited accessibility in winter. The construction of a National Highway and a tunnel at Razdan Pass would significantly enhance year-round connectivity, benefiting residents, the armed forces, and the local economy.
The government assured that it will continue pursuing the matter with the Centre, emphasizing the need for a reliable and strategically significant road network to strengthen border security and economic progress in the region.
Meanwhile, the government also has requested the Central government to grant National Highway (NH) status to key roads in Bandipora district to improve connectivity. However, approval from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is still pending.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone in the Legislative Assembly, the Public Works Department said that Bandipora remains without National Highway connectivity. To address this issue, the government has urged MoRTH to consider declaring two major roads as National Highways including Sangrama-Sopore-Watlab-Bandipora-Sumbal road (78 km) and Srinagar-Sumbal-Bandipora-Gurez road, including a tunnel at Razdan Pass (128 km).
The government said that these roads are important for economic growth and all-weather access to Bandipora. However, the Centre’s approval is still awaited.
Responding to concerns about substandard material being used in the construction of the Ring Road and delays in compensation payments, the government said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regularly inspects the materials used to ensure they meet NH standards. The government clarified that no official complaints regarding substandard material had been received.
On the issue of land compensation delays, the government informed that compensation disbursement is nearing completion. As of March 4, 2025, a total of ₹51.16 crore has been distributed to rightful landowners in Bandipora district, out of the ₹52.28 crore released by NHAI. The remaining ₹1.12 crore is under process and will be disbursed soon.
The government assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure fair compensation and that it remains committed to improve infrastructure and connectivity in Bandipora.
