As Uri gets railway link, Bandipora awaits national highway

Bandipora, May 17: While the neighbouring town Uri is getting a railway link, Bandipora district of north Kashmir continues to yearn for a National Highway status, hampering the town’s growth and potential in the tourism sector.
Despite its scenic beauty and increasing tourist footfall, the absence of a well-connected road infrastructure remains a challenge for Bandipora’s development.
Uri, a border town of Bandipora’s neighbouring district Baramulla is now facilitated by the new railway link which will result in surge in its connectivity and accessibility, the people of Bandipora expressed their concerns and disappointment as they await not a railway link but a national highway status of the Bandipora-Srinagar road.
With its breath-taking natural beauty and abundant tourist attractions, Bandipora has immense potential in the tourism sector. Visitors from near and far have started flocking to this hidden gem, recognizing its allure. However, the lack of a National Highway poses obstacles for both tourists and locals, limiting the progress of the district.
Shakir Ahmad Lone, a local told Rising Kashmir that Bandipora has everything it takes to become a thriving tourist destination, but the absence of a National Highway hampers its growth. “It’s disheartening to see neighboring towns like Uri flourish while we struggle with connectivity,” he said.
Shakir said that the tourism industry in Bandipora has been gaining momentum, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The town’s serene lakes, mesmerizing valleys, and historical sites have captivated visitors, who recognize the untapped potential of the region. However, without a proper road network, the full benefits of this burgeoning tourism sector remain unrealized.
“We receive a significant number of tourists throughout the year, especially during the summer season. They are enchanted by the beauty of Bandipora. However, the lack of a National Highway limits their access and poses challenges for their overall experience,” said Javid Ahmad, a local tour operator.
Besides the tourism sector, the absence of a National Highway also affects the daily lives of Bandipora’s residents. Limited connectivity leads to difficulties in accessing essential services, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The long and arduous journeys on inadequate roads have become a recurring challenge for the townspeople.
Bandipora’s potential for growth and development is widely recognized, and the residents remain optimistic about the government’s attention to their concerns. The need for a National Highway connection has been voiced by locals, who envision improved accessibility, enhanced economic opportunities, and better infrastructure in their town.
Another local Aqib Ahmad, a student by profession, said that he firmly believes that the establishment of a National Highway is crucial for the overall progress of Bandipora which will not only boost tourism but also pave the way for increased trade, employment opportunities, and improved quality of life for the residents.
The new 8 Districts were formed in 2006 , Kupwara and Bandipora were among the newly formed districts. Bandipora seems to be the most underdeveloped District among the newly formed districts in J&K in 2006, Mudasir Ahmad, a local and advocate by profession said.
Mudasir said that Uri and Kupwara were able to scratch railway lines while Bandipora is still unable to get the national highway status for the road which connects Srinagar to Gurez in spite of knowing the fact what is the importance of Gurez.
While the residents eagerly await a National Highway connection, they continue to rally for the government’s attention and action with the hope that their aspirations for enhanced connectivity and infrastructure will be heard and fulfilled soon.