Bandipora, May 20: MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat has once again strongly reiterated the long-pending demand for granting National Highway status to the strategically important Bandipora-Srinagar road, saying the project is no longer merely a developmental requirement but an urgent necessity for the economic, social and regional connectivity needs of North Kashmir.
Highlighting his consistent efforts both inside and outside the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, Bhat said he has repeatedly raised the issue on the floor of the House, stressing that Bandipora district continues to suffer due to inadequate road infrastructure despite its immense strategic, tourism and economic significance.
He stated that the Bandipora-Srinagar road serves as a vital lifeline for thousands of commuters, traders, students, employees and patients on a daily basis, but the present condition and limited capacity of the road remain a matter of serious concern.
Elevating the road to National Highway status, he said, would ensure better funding, modernisation, widening, scientific maintenance and long-term infrastructure planning.
The MLA said that during his meetings and communications with the Union Government, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had assured him that the demand would be examined positively considering the strategic and public importance of the route.
Bhat further said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also acknowledged the genuine nature of the demand and assured support for pursuing the matter with the Government of India so that the people of Bandipora get the road infrastructure they rightfully deserve.
The MLA asserted that Bandipora has historically remained neglected in major infrastructure planning despite being one of the most important districts of Jammu & Kashmir.
He said granting National Highway status to the Bandipora-Srinagar road would not only improve connectivity but also boost tourism, trade, healthcare access, educational mobility and overall regional development.
Calling for immediate action, Bhat urged the Central Government to take a final decision without further delay and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bandipora who have been demanding this critical project for years.