For further betterment of the connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved construction of two tunnel projects, three flyovers, four bridges and 10 other works. in J&K. The two main projects – Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnels, had been a long pending demand by the people of Kashmir. The people of Karnah have suffered a lot in absence of the tunnel. Come winter, the entire populace of this boarder region gets disconnected from rest of the world. The people face lots of hardships besides loss to lives as slippery conditions of the tricky road result into frequent road accidents. In absence of proper connectivity during winters, the patients with serious ailments couldn’t reach to district hospital or other health institutions in rest of the Valley. From ages they have been urging the governments, that be, to construct a tunnel to ease their lives and fortunately the Union Government has decided to do so and bail them out from the every-year winter trauma.
As for as Pir Ki Gali tunnel is concerned, it will enhance connectivity of both Kashmir and Jammu regions. The Mughal Road is a vital connection between Valley and Pir Panjal region besides rest of Jammu region. This road is an alternative to Jammu-Srinagar Highway which used to remain frequently blocked, particularly, during winters. Now that the condition of this highway has improved a lot, it has not lessened the vitality of Mughal Road as this road has brough Rajouri and Poonch very closer to the Valley. However, it too faces winter closures at intervals thus hampering the movement of the people. From day one of commissioning of this road, people from both the regions have been demanding construction of a tunnel and by sanctioning the Pir Ki Gali tunnel, the Union Government finally listened to the people who feel elated by this announcement. A tunnel on this road will make it an all-weather road thus improving the connectivity between the two regions.
The other road a flyover projects sanctioned by the MoRTH too are vital for the Union Territory. These will enhance the connectivity which ensure high-speed development of the region. The surface communication is the vital part of any region’s development and progress. The better roads you have, the better prospects of growth are there. While MoRTH has taken up these vital projects, the UT government should focus on existing roads. Most of them, particularly, in rural areas are in bad shape. June is coming to end and yet macdamization of these roads has not been taken up. As Kashmir has limited working season, the government should start the process at the earliest.