SRINAGAR, July 9: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has sought the Centre’s intervention to ensure that the proposed NH-701A highway continues to pass through Beerwah town, arguing that the existing alignment is crucial for the region’s economy and public convenience.
In a communication sent to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on July 8, Mufti requested that the proposed bypass plan be reconsidered. She maintained that retaining the highway through the town would better serve the interests of residents and support long-term, inclusive development.
The appeal came after a delegation representing the Beerwah Civil Society, Trade Federation, Transport Association, market associations and other local stakeholders met her and expressed concerns over the proposed road alignment. They urged that the existing route be preserved to safeguard the town’s commercial importance.
Highlighting Beerwah’s role as the commercial and administrative hub of central Kashmir, Mufti said the town caters to thousands of people from nearby villages. She noted that the present road provides direct access to essential public facilities, including the Sub-District Hospital, educational institutions, government offices, banks and markets.
She warned that diverting the national highway away from the town could significantly reduce business activity, affecting the livelihoods of more than 2,000 families whose income depends on shops and establishments located along the existing road corridor.
Mufti also argued that improving the current alignment would provide better connectivity to Srinagar, the Ring Road and the airport while avoiding unnecessary acquisition of fertile agricultural land. She added that such an approach would help protect orchards and minimise the displacement of local residents.
Calling for immediate intervention, Mufti urged Gadkari to direct the concerned authorities to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah. According to the PDP, the Union Minister assured her that the matter would receive positive consideration.
