Member of Parliament from Anantnag-Rajouri, Mian Altaf Ahmad, on Thursday met Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Lt Gen Harpal Singh, in New Delhi and raised several key road connectivity projects in Jammu and Kashmir, urging their early execution to improve connectivity, safety, trade and tourism.
According to a statement, the MP pressed for expediting the proposed Pir Ki Gali Tunnel on the Mughal Road and the long-pending Sadna Tunnel, urging the BRO to prioritise the tendering process so that construction work on both strategic projects can commence at the earliest.
Mian Altaf said the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel would significantly reduce travel distance and provide a safer, all-weather alternative by bypassing the landslide-prone stretches of the Mughal Road.
“Once completed, the tunnel will ensure reliable year-round connectivity and further strengthen the strategic importance of the historic Mughal Road linking the Kashmir Valley with the Pir Panjal region,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of the Sadna Tunnel, the MP said the project would bypass the snowbound Sadna Pass, which frequently remains inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather.
“Like the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, the Sadna Tunnel is vital for improving accessibility and strengthening overall connectivity in the region,” he said.
The MP also sought the upgradation and maintenance of the remaining stretches of the Jammu-Poonch National Highway, saying commuters continue to face difficulties on portions of the road that are yet to be improved.
“While substantial progress has been made by the BRO on the highway, some stretches still require urgent upgradation and maintenance to ensure smooth and safe travel,” he said.
Mian Altaf also raised the issue of compensation for families in Manjakote whose houses and properties were damaged by landslides allegedly triggered during the highway expansion works.
During the meeting, Lt Gen Harpal Singh briefed the MP on the status of various strategic infrastructure projects being executed by the BRO.
According to the statement, the DG BRO said both the Pir Ki Gali and Sadna tunnel projects are under active consideration and assured that the process would be fast-tracked to facilitate the commencement of construction.
On the Jammu-Poonch National Highway, the DG BRO directed the concerned officials in Jammu to complete the remaining upgradation and maintenance works within the next month.
He also assured the MP that the issue of compensation for the landslide-affected families in Manjakote would be taken up after the Revenue Department submits its assessment report.
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