Srinagar, Jul 09: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging him to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass, a PDP spokesperson said on Thursday.
“I wish to draw your kind attention to the representation submitted by a delegation comprising members of Beerwah Civil Society, the Trade Federation, the Transport Association, market associations, and other stakeholders, who have urged that NH-701A be developed by upgrading the existing road through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass,” Mehbooba said in the letter.
“The existing road connects the Sub-District Hospital, educational institutions, government offices, banks, markets, and other essential public services. A bypass would divert economic activity away from the town, adversely affecting the livelihoods of over 2,000 families dependent on businesses along this corridor,” she added.
Describing Beerwah as the commercial and administrative hub of Central Kashmir, the PDP president said the town serves thousands of people from surrounding villages.
She said upgrading the existing alignment would also strengthen connectivity with Srinagar, the Ring Road, and the airport while minimizing the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, protecting orchards, and reducing displacement.
In view of these compelling public, economic, and environmental considerations, Mehbooba “requested” Gadkari to direct the concerned authorities to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town.
“Such a decision would ensure that this important project promotes inclusive and sustainable development while benefiting the people it is meant to serve,” she concluded in the letter.
