Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday said that Baramulla MP Er. Rashid met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in his Parliament chamber and raised several key infrastructure and public welfare issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir.
The MP also raised the issue of the proposed alignment of NH-701A (Magam–Beerwah–Arizal–Doodhpathri Highway) and urged the Minister to retain and upgrade the existing BRO-maintained alignment instead of constructing a new bypass. He said the existing route could be upgraded with minimal widening, helping reduce land acquisition, displacement and overall project costs while protecting fertile agricultural land and orchards. He added that the proposal has the support of local residents and would further improve connectivity to Beerwah, Doodhpathri and Yousmarg.
Er. Rashid also requested the Union Minister to expedite the development and upgradation of the 8-kilometre road from Paharthan to Kralnewah Crossing via Chotribaal, stating that the project is crucial for improving connectivity and addressing the long-pending transportation needs of the local population.
According to Inam Un Nabi, Nitin Gadkari gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by Er. Rashid and assured him that the Ministry would examine them on priority. The Minister also informed Er. Rashid that the concerned R&B Department is currently preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the proposed Lolab-Bandipora and Lolab-Sopore roads, marking an important step towards their future development.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party remains committed to raising issues related to farmers, infrastructure, regional connectivity and public welfare through democratic and institutional channels, and will continue to pursue the genuine aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
