Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s announcement that a tunnel will be constructed at Pir Ki Gali on Mughal Road has been hailed by one and all. During his visit to review the progress on Zojila tunnel, the minister said that Rs. 6000 Crore Mughal road project consists Rs. 5000 Crore for construction of tunnel at Pir Ki Gali. This road connects Shopian in Kashmir Valley with Poonch in Jammu region. This alternate highway has helped the populace a lot. Lots of works are going on as for as Srinagar-Jammu national highway is concerned and the new tunnels made have not only reduced the mileage but has eased the travel too. However, this can’t negate the importance of Mughal road as it connects Kashmir Valley with two major boarder towns of Jammu region – Rajouri and Poonch. This road, on one hand, helps people to connect with Jammu region with more ease and on the hand lessen the burden of Srinagar-Jammu highway. However, it remains closed during winter months and the main reason for the closure is avalanche-prone Pir Ki Gali. Now that the Union Minister has announced the construction of tunnel at the trouble spot, once it is executed, the road will be an all weather road thus not only ensuring ease of traveling but also giving a boost to the economy of both the regions.
Surface communication is one of the basic components of any place’s economy. Kashmir economy has suffered a lot due to frequent closures of Srinagar-Jammu national highway in the past. The closure, particularly has had a very adverse impact on the economy of those involved with horticulture sector. Now that the highway is being redone and renovated on war-footing basis, it will definitely help people here. It gives lot of hope to the people of Kashmir when the Union Minister says that the dream of having a highway from Kashmir to Kanyakumari will be realised by the beginning of the next year. He also disclosed that projects worth Rs 1,25,000 Crore are being proposed for the Union Territory and in the next ten years. once executed, the UT’s road network will match with that of the United States.
While the announcement sounds like a dream but seeing the progress on Srinagar-Jammu Highway, one can safely say that this dream has a potential to come true if there is a strong will at the part of the government. The better road network will give a boost to UT’s economy and once the Valley is linked through rail with the rest of the country, the tourism industry is going to scale new highest. In today’s world, surface communication is key to economy and more the roads, more the people reap the fruits of progress. However, the government has to ensure that the construction companies engaged for these projects are made to complete the task within prescribed time frame. Delay in construction and execution of projects has been the sad story of Kashmir since ages. It the Union Minister ensures that, the projects he is talking about, are completed within given timeframe, Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly going to benefit tremendously.
