Jammu/ New Delhi, April 17, 2026:
Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, along with Hon’ble MPs Chowdary Mohammad Ramzan and Shammi Oberoi, and Hon’ble MLAs Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and strongly projected key infrastructure demands concerning strategic road connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir.
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized the urgent need for construction of the strategically important Padder–Gulabgarh to Zanskar Defence Road, highlighting its significance for both national security and regional connectivity.
They also pressed for the early completion of the Gulabgarh–Ishtiyari–Gandhari road, which is expected to enhance connectivity between Kishtwar district and Himachal Pradesh, thereby boosting economic activity and improving accessibility in the remote region.
These road projects are considered vital from both strategic and developmental perspectives. The proposed defence road would strengthen troop mobility and logistical support in sensitive border areas, particularly in the Ladakh region, while also ensuring faster response during emergencies. At the same time, improved road connectivity is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region by facilitating trade, tourism, access to healthcare, and better integration of remote and far-flung areas with the rest of the country.
The Hon’ble Defence Minister gave a positive assurance that the projects would be taken up on priority, acknowledging their strategic and developmental significance.
