Centre Reviewing Key Connectivity Proposals in North Kashmir, Replies Gadkari to Ch. Ramzan’s Query – Alfaaz – The Words

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

New Delhi: The Union Government has begun formally examining two major connectivity proposals in north Kashmir, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan raised the matter during Question Hour, flagging the long-pending demand for the construction of the Bandipora-Lolab road and the establishment of a four-lane corridor from Sangrama to Chowkibal, passing through Sopore and Handwara. He asked whether the Government had acknowledged the region’s persistent infrastructure gaps and what initiatives were underway to bridge them.

Responding in writing, Gadkari said that both proposals are currently under review by the Ministry. He said the projects are being processed through the standard appraisal framework, which includes technical examination, feasibility analysis and the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

“These proposals are under consideration, and further action will be taken based on the outcome of these evaluations,” the Minister stated, indicating that while the demands have been formally taken up, they remain at a preliminary stage.

Notably, the two projects, both seen as vital for improving mobility, trade and emergency access in the northern districts, have been a longstanding public expectation, with local representatives repeatedly pressing for accelerated approval.