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| Open Letter:Urgent Appeal for National Highway Status to Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez Road Corridor | |
To
Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji
Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways
Government of India
Subject: Urgent Appeal for National Highway Status to Srinagar–Bandipora–Gurez Road Corridor
Respected Sir,
Warm greetings from the people of Bandipora, Jammu & Kashmir.
We, the undersigned public representatives, civil society stakeholders, and concerned citizens of Bandipora, wish to bring to your kind attention the longstanding and urgent demand to accord National Highway (NH) status to the vital Srinagar–Bandipora road.
Bandipora spread over 345 Sq. kms has a population of about 4 lakh souls roughly equals to countries like Maldives and Singapore. The district remains geographically isolated, surrounded by Wullar Lake, one of South Asia’s largest freshwater lakes on one side, and rugged Himalayan mountains on the others. Only two approach roads—Sumbal–Bandipora and Sopore–Bandipora—connect the district with the rest of the Valley. Any disruption, even minor, leaves the region completely cut off, adversely impacting daily life, trade, health access, and mobility.
What makes this matter even more critical is the strategic importance of the Gurez Valley, located in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). Gurez remains an area of both national security and borderland sensitivity. In times of border tension or weather emergencies, the only land route through Bandipora becomes the lifeline for troops, border management teams, and civil administration. The proposed Razdan Pass tunnel, while still in planning stages, will also hinge on this key road’s alignment.
Recent tragic incidents, such as the death of four Army personnel in a road accident on January 4, 2025, due to the narrowness and hazardous condition of the road yet again highlighted the grave risks posed by the current infrastructure.
Sir These lives lost are not just a reflection of inadequate planning, but also of our collective responsibility to prioritize safety and strategic foresight.
The Sumbal–Bandipora road has long remained in poor condition, reportedly due to alleged misuse of NHPC-provided development funds under CSR in early 90’s.
While the matter is currently subjudice, we sincerely believe that the ongoing legal proceedings should not become an obstacle in addressing the day-to-day suffering of the public, who bear no responsibility for the financial irregularities and the criminal act in question. Infrastructure and public welfare must not be held hostage to procedural delays or past lapses. The whole population should not suffer for the criminal act of the few.
Furthermore, Sir, Bandipora is home to enormous economic and tourism potential. The district hosts:
The scenic Wullar Lake, ideal for eco-tourism,
The Tulail and Gurez Valleys, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage and dam built on 330 MW Kishenganga Hydroelectric Power Project
A growing youth population in need of employment avenues that reliable road connectivity can catalyze the same.
By according National Highway status to this route, you will not only ensure faster and safer movement of people and goods but also give a strategic boost to India’s border preparedness, promote rural development, and affirm the Union Government’s commitment to equitable regional infrastructure growth. Sir owing to poor road connectivity professionals like doctors, Teachers, Professors, Civil Officers prefer not to get a posting in Bandipora district thereby impacting all other fields especially the healthcare and education.
This demand has received attention in the past through representations, media appeals, and Assembly discussions. However, a formal approval and announcement under your visionary leadership will make a historic difference.
We would also like to respectfully mention that a formal request for an in-person audience with your esteemed office was submitted earlier, to place this matter before you directly. However, the meeting is still awaited, and we remain hopeful that a suitable opportunity for interaction will be granted in the near future.
We are confident in your commitment to transformative infrastructure and urge you to consider this on priority. The people of Bandipora await your kind decision with hope and gratitude.
With Deep Respect
Nizam ud Din Bhat
Member of Legislative Assembly (Bandipora Constituency)
On Behalf of Citizens of Bandipora
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