Srinagar, Feb 20 (KNS) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has informed MP Baramulla Engineer Rashid that the proposed tunnels at Razdan Pass and Machil Pass have been considered to be taken up under the Other Than Capital Acquisition (OTCA) budget, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) said on Thursday.

In a statement, AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the minister’s written response addressed issues raised by the MP regarding long-pending road and tunnel projects in north Kashmir.

He said the communication referred to projects including the Lolab (Kupwara)–Dardpora–Bandipora road, Lolab–Takipora–Sopore road, Machil tunnel in Kupwara and Gurez tunnel in Bandipora district.

According to the statement, the minister conveyed that while the ministry is primarily responsible for National Highways and the proposed roads have not been declared as National Highways, the matter has been examined.

The minister further informed, as per inputs from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), that the proposed tunnels at Razdan Pass and Machil Pass have been considered for inclusion under the OTCA budget, it said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The party termed the development significant, stating that tunnels at Machil and Razdan passes are important for ensuring all-weather connectivity to remote and border areas of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, which remain cut off during winter months.

The statement also said the minister indicated that the policy for declaration of new National Highways is under consultation within the government and proposals will be processed after finalisation of new guidelines and criteria.

The party expressed hope that roads such as Lolab–Dardpora–Bandipora and Lolab–Takipora–Sopore may be considered for National Highway status in future and that the projects would be taken forward for execution.(KNS)