Mehbooba urges Gadkari to retain NH-701 alignment

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to retain the existing alignment for the National Highway NH-701 through the Beerwah town in Budgam district.

In her letter to Gadkari, Mehbooba said, “I wish to draw your kind attention to the representation submitted by a delegation comprising members of Beerwah Civil Society, Trade Federation, 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.”

She said Beerwah is the commercial and administrative hub of Central Kashmir, serving thousands of people from surrounding villages.

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 said.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said upgrading the existing alignment would also strengthen connectivity with Srinagar, the Ring Road, and the airport while minimising the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, protecting orchards, and reducing displacement.

“In view of these compelling public, economic, and environmental considerations, I earnestly request you to direct the concerned authorities to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town,” she said.

Such a decision would ensure that this important project promotes inclusive and sustainable development while benefiting the people it is meant to serve, the PDP president said.