Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri, Mian Altaf Ahmad, met Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Director General Lt Gen Harpal Singh in New Delhi, urging the speedy execution of key infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, safety, tourism, and trade across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, Mian Altaf stressed the need to fast-track the proposed Pir Ki Gali Tunnel on the Mughal Road and the long-pending Sadna Tunnel. He urged the BRO to expedite the tendering process so construction on both strategic projects can begin without delay.
The MP said the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel would provide an all-weather route by bypassing landslide-prone stretches of the Mughal Road, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the Pir Panjal region.
Highlighting the importance of the Sadna Tunnel, he said the project would offer year-round access by avoiding the snowbound Sadna Pass, which often remains closed during harsh winter months.
Mian Altaf also sought the upgradation and maintenance of the remaining stretches of the Jammu-Poonch National Highway, noting that several sections still require urgent improvements to ensure smooth and safe travel.
He further raised the issue of compensation for families in Manjakote whose houses and properties were reportedly damaged due to landslides triggered during highway expansion works.
Responding to the concerns, BRO Director General Lt Gen Harpal Singh assured the MP that both the Pir Ki Gali and Sadna tunnel projects are under active consideration and that efforts will be made to fast-track the process. He also directed officials to complete the remaining upgradation works on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway within the next month and assured that compensation for affected families in Manjakote would be taken up after the Revenue Department submits its assessment report.
