Bandipora, June 9(KNS): A wave of celebration swept across Bandipora district after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) invited bids for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Sumbal–Bandipora–Gurez National Highway, a long-pending demand of the region's people.

 

Residents in several areas of Bandipora welcomed the development by distributing sweets and expressing hope that the project would finally provide better connectivity to the border region of Gurez and accelerate economic growth across the district.

 

Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat termed the development a victory of the people and credited the collective efforts of residents who consistently raised the demand for the highway. He urged people to keep the issue above party politics and focus on the larger developmental benefits the project would bring.

 

The proposed highway is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Srinagar, Bandipora and Gurez, while boosting tourism, trade, employment opportunities and access to essential services.

 

However, as celebrations continued, political parties also stepped forward with competing claims regarding the project's progress.

 

National Conference leader and Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurez) maintained that the Omar Abdullah-led government played a crucial role in pursuing the matter and ensuring that the long-standing demand moved forward. He described the DPR invitation as a major achievement for the region and a result of sustained efforts by the National Conference.

 

On the other hand, BJP leaders asserted that the project reflects the Centre's commitment to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. They claimed that the Union Government's focus on connectivity and strategic road development paved the way for the DPR process and ultimately led to the realisation of the highway project.

 

Meanwhile, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) also claimed a role in advancing the proposal.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelParty spokesperson Inam Un Nabi stated that Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid had raised the issue with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and sought priority for the project during discussions in Parliament.

 

Despite differing political narratives, residents largely viewed the DPR announcement as a significant milestone for the region. Many expressed hope that the DPR would be completed without delay and that construction of the much-awaited highway would begin at the earliest.

 

The proposed National Highway is expected to transform connectivity in north Kashmir, particularly for Gurez Valley, which remains cut off for extended periods during winter due to heavy snowfall and road closures.

 

Meanwhile, the announcement of the DPR generated widespread excitement among the public, with celebrations reported from several parts of Bandipora and Gurez. Social media platforms remained flooded with posts, messages, and competing claims from various political leaders and parties, each seeking credit for the milestone. However, many residents maintained that the project is ultimately a victory for the people of the region, who have consistently demanded better road connectivity for decades.

 

Despite differing political narratives and the ongoing debate over credit, residents largely viewed the DPR announcement as a historic milestone for the region. Many expressed hope that the DPR would be completed without delay and that construction of the long-awaited highway would commence at the earliest.

 

The proposed National Highway is expected to transform connectivity in north Kashmir, particularly for Gurez Valley, which remains cut off for extended periods during winter due to heavy snowfall and road closures. For locals, the DPR announcement represents not just a road project, but a long-awaited step towards improved accessibility, economic growth, tourism promotion, and overall development of the region.(KNS).