Appeals to Nitin Gadkari citing strategic importance, poor connectivity, and safety concerns,
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a strong appeal to the Centre, senior politician and Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Nizam Ud-Din Bhat, has written an open letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, seeking National Highway (NH) status for the vital Srinagar–Sumbal–Bandipora–Gurez road corridor.
Highlighting the geographical isolation and strategic importance of Bandipora, Bhat noted that the district, spread over 345 square kilometers and home to nearly four lakh people, remains poorly connected due to inadequate road infrastructure. The district is surrounded by the Wullar Lake and the Himalayan range, with only two approach roads—Sumbal–Bandipora and Sopore–Bandipora—linking it to the rest of the Valley.
In his letter dated July 26, Bhat emphasized that any disruption to these routes effectively cuts off the entire region, severely impacting trade, health access, education, and daily life. The lack of connectivity, he added, also affects national security, particularly in light of Bandipora’s proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and the strategically sensitive Gurez Valley.
“The recent tragic incident involving the deaths of four Army personnel in a road accident on January 4, 2025, once again highlighted the grave risks posed by the narrow and hazardous roads,” Bhat wrote, adding that improved road infrastructure is essential for troop movement, civil administration, and emergency response.
Referring to the long-neglected condition of the Sumbal–Bandipora road, reportedly worsened due to alleged misutilization of CSR development funds in the 1990s, Bhat asserted that the current legal disputes should not hinder immediate infrastructure upgrades. “Public suffering must not be held hostage to procedural delays or the criminal acts of a few,” he wrote.
The MLA further outlined Bandipora’s untapped economic and tourism potential, mentioning Wullar Lake’s suitability for eco-tourism, the Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project, and the district’s vibrant youth population in need of employment avenues.
“Due to poor road connectivity, many professionals, including doctors, teachers, and officers, avoid postings in Bandipora,” the letter stated. “Upgrading the road to National Highway status would provide a much-needed boost to healthcare, education, and overall development.”
Bhat mentioned that while the demand has been raised earlier in Assembly discussions and media appeals, a formal approval from the Centre is still awaited. He also reminded the minister of a pending request for an in-person audience to discuss the issue.
Expressing hope in the Union Government’s commitment to equitable infrastructure growth, Bhat concluded his appeal by urging Minister Gadkari to treat the matter with urgency and strategic foresight. “The people of Bandipora await your kind decision with hope and gratitude,” the letter concluded.
