Srinagar August 10 (KNS): MP and JK NC leader Hasnain Masoodi today met Shri NJ Gadkari Minister of Transport and National Highways,  to discuss various proposals for strengthening road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. He invited attention of Minister to frequent traffic disruptions on Jammu- Srinagar NH adversely affecting movement of people and goods and thereby impacting every aspect of life.

He, reiterating his earlier suggestion made to the Minister,  demanded an elevated road between Ramban and Banihal so that frequent disruptions due to day in and day out landslides are avoided. Mr Gadkari agreeing with the Member made an assurance that the earlier plan was being given a relook and revised plan at the cost of Rs 3000 crore proposed to be shortly commenced. 

Masoodi apprised the Minister of  the impediments faced by the concerned department in improving road connectivity because of  delay in release of Central Road Fund. Mr Gadkari taking due cognisance of the problem, assured immediate release of Rs 570 crore on account of CRF to Jammu and Kashmir so that all road projects are completed in time. 

In the meeting Desa- Kapran tunnel, Wulahama - Tral, Pastun - Khrew roads, Sangam - Lassipora and Letapora- Pantachowk bye pass were also discussed. Masoodi emphasising the importance of the proposals made by him, informed the Minister that Desa-Kapran Tunnel would bring big relief and provide better opportunity and connectivity to thousands of inhabitants of Kastigarh and other far far flung areas of Doda.

He informed the Minister that as Lassipora was coming up as an important industrial hub, it was important to have a Bye - Pass road from Sangam to Lassipora so the movement of raw material and industrial products in heavy trucks was smooth and least inconvenience to passenger transport in the area. Masoodi highlighting the importance of  Wularhama- Tral and Pastun - Khrew informed the Minister that the proposed roads were not only to shorten distance between Pahalgam and Srinagar by more 25 kilometres but were also to play a big role in development of unattended upper areas of Salar and Tral.

He demanded up gradation and widening of Letapora-Khrew- Panthchok road as it serves important industrial areas of Khrew and Khunmoh. The minister assured positive  action on all the proposals made and asked for all necessary details.(KNS)