Baramulla, Nov 21: Jammu and Kashmir government is actively advancing the ambitious project of upgrading the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway into a four-lane road and doubling the Baramulla-Uri Highway.
The substantial progress promises improved connectivity and more seamless travel experiences for the residents of north Kashmir.
The Baramulla district administration has achieved notable milestones in the land acquisition process across various project packages.
Key advancements include 65 percent completion of the 1-A Narbal to Pattan section, 85 percent for 1-B Tapper to Sangrama, an impressive 99 percent for the Sangrama flyover, and 95 percent for the Delina flyover.
However, the land acquisition process for the Pattan Bypass, Baramulla Bypass, and the Baramulla to Uri double-lane highway is yet to commence.
Authorities in Baramulla assure that groundwork for these pending acquisitions is underway, and the land acquisition for both the bypasses and the Baramulla-Uri highway will commence soon.
The Srinagar-Baramulla four-lane project is a flagship initiative prioritized by the J&K administration, aimed at streamlining the commute between Srinagar and Uri, ensuring a hassle-free journey upon completion.
As per the latest progress report, substantial strides have been made in the four major packages, covering Narbal-Pattan, Tapper-Sangrama, Sangrama flyover, and Delina flyover.
An official said that these packages comprise a total of 96.1146 hectares of land, with 27.5442 hectares dedicated to Narbal-Pattan, Tapper-Sangrama, Sangrama flyover, and Delina flyover, and an additional 68.5704 hectares for the Pattan and Baramulla bypasses, and the Baramulla-Uri double-lane highway.
“Approximately Rs 198.24 crore has been disbursed among beneficiaries of the first four packages,” the official added.
With 637 structures initially in the path of expansion from Narbal to Delina (excluding Pattan and Baramulla Bypass), 503 structures have already been demolished, with 134 structures yet to undergo the same fate.
While authorities in Baramulla express confidence that the work on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway will adhere to the stipulated timeline, progress has been somewhat slower on the Pattan and Baramulla Bypass, as well as the double-laning of the Baramulla-Uri highway.
Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Baramulla, Mumtaz Ahmad, said, “The work on the project is progressing satisfactorily. The groundwork, including land acquisition for the Baramulla and Pattan bypass, is in progress, and the Baramulla-Uri double-laning is also advancing well.”
“We are vigorously following the groundwork and have made significant progress. The remaining work will be completed within the stipulated time.”
The transformation of the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway and the Baramulla-Uri Highway holds immense significance, not only in terms of transportation but also for the economic development and enhanced connectivity it will bring to the area. The ongoing developments mark a positive stride toward a more connected and developed north Kashmir.
