BuzzBytes Srinagar 8 December:
The government has announced plans to construct a new highway connecting Magam in Budgam district of Kashmir Valley to Surankote in Poonch, Jammu. The highway, designated as NH 701A, will pass through scenic locations like Yusmarg and Doodhpathri, providing an alternative road connectivity between the Pir Panjal region in Jammu and north Kashmir.
An official from the Revenue Department said, “The new highway will span approximately 150 kilometers and has been divided into three major packages for construction.” According to the official, Package 1 covers 31.24 kilometers, starting from Surankote, passing through Bafliaz, and ascending to Pir Ki Gali, the highest point of the road, before descending into Chattapani along the existing Mughal Road. Package 2, which is 28.40 kilometers long, connects Chattapani to Shopian and further ascends towards Yusmarg via Pakherpora. The third and longest segment, stretching 76 kilometers, links Yusmarg with Magam through Doodhpathri and Beerwah, finally connecting with the Srinagar-Uri highway at Narbal.
“The highway will ease traffic on NH-44 and provide an alternate trade route, significantly improving connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir,” an official spokesperson stated. Officials also emphasized the economic benefits of the project, noting its potential to enhance the horticulture sector in Budgam’s Kandi areas by improving access to broader markets. “Farmers in these regions will have a better opportunity to sell their produce, adding value to the local economy,” said another official.
Tourism is expected to get a major boost with this project. “Destinations like Yusmarg and Doodhpathri will become more accessible, increasing footfall, especially during the winter season,” a tourism department official remarked.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and social impacts of the project. “The highway will pass through some forest areas, and in other sections, land acquisition might displace families and affect agricultural livelihoods,” an official familiar with the project revealed. Environmentalists have warned about potential ecological damage in the fragile mountain terrain.
To address these challenges, an official from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is executing the project, said, “We are adopting environmentally sensitive engineering solutions, including tunnels, semi-tunnels, and elevated sections, to minimize the environmental impact.”
Once completed, the highway is expected to revolutionize connectivity between regions, reduce dependency on NH-44, and unlock new economic opportunities. “This project will integrate remote areas with the rest of the country and bring a significant change to the lives of people in the region,” an official added.
