ibn sultan
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging him to retain the existing alignment of National Highway NH-701A through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass.
In her letter, Mehbooba Mufti said that representatives of Beerwah Civil Society, the Trade Federation, the Transport Association, market associations, and other stakeholders have requested that the existing road be upgraded rather than diverted through a bypass.
She stated that the current route connects key public facilities, including the Sub-District Hospital, educational institutions, government offices, banks, and markets. According to her, constructing a bypass would divert commercial activity away from the town, adversely affecting the livelihoods of more than 2,000 families dependent on businesses along the route.
Describing Beerwah as the commercial and administrative hub of Central Kashmir, Mehbooba said that upgrading the existing road would improve connectivity with Srinagar, the Ring Road, and the airport while protecting fertile agricultural land, orchards, and minimizing displacement.
She urged Nitin Gadkari to direct the concerned authorities to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah, saying the decision would promote inclusive and sustainable development while safeguarding the economic interests of local residents.
