Mehbooba urges Gadkari to retain NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town
SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town of Budgam district instead of constructing a bypass.
In a letter to Gadkari, Mehbooba said a delegation comprising members of Beerwah Civil Society, Trade Federation, Transport Association, market associations and other stakeholders had sought the development of NH-701A by upgrading the existing road through the Beerwah town.
She said Beerwah is the commercial and administrative hub of Central Kashmir, serving thousands of people from surrounding villages, while the existing road connects the Sub-District Hospital, educational institutions, government offices, banks, markets and other essential public services.
“A bypass would divert economic activity away from the town, adversely affecting the livelihoods of over 2,000 families dependent on businesses along this corridor,” Mehbooba said.
She said upgrading the existing alignment would also strengthen connectivity with Srinagar, the Ring Road and the airport while minimising the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, protecting orchards and reducing displacement.
“In view of these compelling public, economic, and environmental considerations, I earnestly request you to direct the concerned authorities to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town,” she said.
Mehbooba said such a decision would ensure that the project promotes inclusive and sustainable development while benefiting the people it is meant to serve. — (KIMS)
