Banihal, October 26 (KNS): MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen on Monday laid the foundation stones of two bridge projects at Nagbal and Ratherpora, with a combined estimated cost of ?10.25 crore, aimed at improving road connectivity in the Banihal-Gool constituency.

The projects include the Nagbal Bridge near the Old Toll Post on the National Highway, estimated to cost ?4.50 crore, and the Ratherpora Bridge at Tantraypora, estimated at ?5.70 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said Banihal-Gool had faced a prolonged development deficit over the decades and that sustained efforts were being made to address longstanding infrastructure gaps.

He said the development agenda for the constituency over the past two years had focused on improving road connectivity, strengthening bridge infrastructure, upgrading educational and healthcare facilities, augmenting power infrastructure, addressing drinking water shortages and promoting tourism.

Referring to ongoing initiatives, Shaheen said several road projects had been sanctioned and taken up under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), while bridge construction and connectivity works were being pursued to improve access to remote and far-flung areas.

He added that allocations had also been secured for school infrastructure, smart classrooms and other educational facilities, alongside initiatives to strengthen healthcare services and improve basic amenities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Highlighting the tourism potential of Banihal-Gool, the MLA said efforts were underway to develop scenic destinations and promote eco-tourism to generate livelihood opportunities for local youth and strengthen the rural economy.

Shaheen reiterated that equitable development across Banihal-Gool remained a priority, particularly in villages and habitations that had remained underserved for years. He stressed the need for timely implementation of projects and improved delivery of essential services.

He also thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for their support and cooperation in advancing developmental initiatives in the constituency.

Among those present were Executive Engineer, R&B Division Banihal, Mohammad Iqbal Ganai; Assistant Executive Engineer Naseer Ahmed Wani; an Assistant Executive Engineer from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Banihal; party functionaries and office-bearers, including Ilyas Ahmed Wani, Nisar Ahmed Sohil, Abdul Gani Wani, Munir Ahmed Bhat, Mukhtiar Ahmed Sheikh, Bashir Ahmed Wani, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Abdul Hamid Khan, Rayees Ahmed Khandey, Farooq Ahmed Khan, Waseem Ahmed Wani and Azam Ahmed, besides officials from the R&B and PHE departments and local residents. (KNS)