BUDGAM: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday inaugurated macadamisation work on the Nowgam-Kanidajan road in Charar-i-Sharief and a new Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Watkaloo in Budgam district.
According to officials, the 9-kilometre road project is being undertaken at an estimated cost of ₹1.72 crore. The work is expected to improve road conditions and enhance connectivity for several adjoining villages in the area.
During the visit, Rather said improved road infrastructure plays an important role in facilitating access to education, healthcare, markets and other essential services.
The Speaker also visited Darekanjan and Braripathri, where he met residents and heard their demands and grievances related to infrastructure, basic amenities and other development issues. He assured them that matters requiring government intervention would be taken up with the concerned authorities.
Later, Rather inaugurated a Primary Health Centre at Watkaloo, which officials said would strengthen healthcare services in the locality and reduce the need for residents to travel to distant medical facilities for routine treatment.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas, and said strengthening health infrastructure at the grassroots level was essential for timely medical care.
Officials said the PHC is expected to improve access to basic healthcare services for residents of the area.

