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PAHALGAM ATTACK ANNIVERSARY :Baisaran meadow to get motorable road at Rs 6.30 crore

  • Abid Bashir By Abid Bashir
  • Comments 0
  • 19 Apr 2026

MLA Altaf Kaloo says work to begin in May, sanctions Rs 1 crore for four ambulances

Srinagar, Apr 18: A year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Baisaran meadow is set to receive a long-awaited motorable road, a move aimed at improving accessibility and strengthening emergency response at the tourist spot.

“The project is estimated at Rs 6.30 crore. Work is scheduled to begin in May this year,” National Conference MLA from Pahalgam, Altaf Kaloo, told Rising Kashmir. “Baisaran has remained difficult to access despite being a major tourist attraction. This road will not only improve connectivity but also ensure quicker response during emergencies.”

The project assumes critical importance in the backdrop of the April 21, 2025, terror attack at Baisaran meadows, in which 26 people—mostly tourists—and a local pony operator were killed, while around 20 others were injured when terrorists opened fire at them, triggering panic in the scenic but isolated meadow.

The incident had exposed serious gaps in infrastructure, particularly the absence of a motorable road. In the immediate aftermath, frightened tourists were seen scrambling through muddy tracks, with shoes and belongings left behind in the chaos as they tried to escape.

Rescue operations were also severely hampered, as ambulances could not reach the site due to the rough terrain and lack of road connectivity, delaying timely medical assistance to the injured.

Welcoming the move, residents and those associated with tourism said the road was long overdue.

“This road is not just about tourism; it is about safety. If a road had been there, help would have reached much faster,” said Umar Dar, a local tourist cab driver.

Another resident, Bashir Ahmad, who works with pony services in the area, said the development will ease the burden on locals as well. “We have been demanding this for years. This road will make things much easier for everyone once completed,” he said.

Shabir Hussain, a shopkeeper in Pahalgam, said the project would also restore confidence among visitors. “Tourists want to feel safe. Better roads and facilities will encourage more people to visit Baisaran again,” he said.

In addition to the road project, Kaloo said he has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for procuring four ambulances for Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Pahalgam. “Strengthening healthcare support is equally important. These ambulances will help ensure better medical response in emergencies,” he said.

Baisaran, often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’ for its lush green meadows and panoramic views, draws a large number of tourists. However, its accessibility has remained limited to pony routes, raising concerns about safety during peak tourist season.

Locals in Pahalgam believe that once completed, the motorable road will significantly enhance tourist convenience while also serving as a crucial lifeline in emergencies—addressing concerns that came sharply into focus after last year’s tragic attack.

 

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