For Unleashing Connectivity and Development in North Kashmir
Abu Ziaud
LOLAB, July 14: Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of north Kashmir, the picturesque Lolab Valley has long yearned for progress and improved connectivity. Its stunning natural beauty and immense potential for economic growth and tourism have remained untapped, owing to inadequate infrastructure. However, the construction of the Lolab-Bandipora Road, a long-awaited project that began in 2007, symbolizes the people’s aspirations for a better future and offers a glimmer of hope for enhanced connectivity and prosperity.
Situated at an elevation of 1,590 meters above sea level, the oval-shaped Lolab Valley captivates visitors with its scenic wonders, ancient springs, and lush forests. The valley is adorned with thriving fruit orchards and has been home to influential figures like Islamic scholar Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri, whose ancestral home and village, Anwarabad, continue to attract tourists from around the world.
Despite its natural splendor and potential for growth, the valley remains disconnected from the rest of Kashmir, relying on a single road that links it to Kupwara. The arduous journey of over 150 kilometers from Lolab to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, via Kupwara and Sopore towns not only hampers economic activities but also poses life-threatening challenges, especially for critically ill patients in need of immediate healthcare.
The proposed Lolab-Bandipora Road has the potential to bring Lolab closer to Srinagar, saving time and fuel for residents and visitors alike. Currently, the average travel time between Lolab and Srinagar is three hours, but with the completion of this road, it is expected to be reduced to just 90 minutes. This significant reduction in travel time will undoubtedly boost the region’s economic prospects and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants.
The Bandipora-Lolab Road project, spanning approximately 28 kilometers, was initiated to address these challenges and provide an alternative route for Lolab, connecting it directly with the neighboring Baramullah district’s Sopore town via Rampore-Rajpora areas and Bandpora town via Aloosa area. Unfortunately, progress came to a halt in 2016 when objections from the Forest Department regarding potential environmental impacts led to a pause in construction after completing earth cutting on a 5-kilometer segment from the Bandipora side.
Despite submitting a detailed project report proposing a double-lane tunnel connecting Anderbugh in Lolab and Chechinar in Bandipora, politico-bureaucratic obstacles and funding uncertainties impeded further advancement on the project. The local residents express profound disappointment over the authorities’ neglect of this vital project. They emphasize the road’s potential to alleviate the daily sufferings of the people of Lolab and adjacent areas, including improved access to quality healthcare and education, boosting the local economy, facilitating trade, and attracting tourists to the region.
Connecting Lolab and Bandipora via Alosa would reduce the distance to Srinagar by 60 kilometers, directly benefiting over three lakh residents in the three north Kashmir districts. Improved connectivity would not only bring economic advantages but also provide vital & circular access to social services and unlock commercial opportunities, empowering the local population in whole north Kashmir.
Under the Bharat Mala Scheme, a preliminary project report estimated a cost of Rs 120.64 crore for the Bandipora-Lolab road in 2017. However, delays in securing project funding have hindered progress. Local residents firmly believe that completing this road would not only provide an alternative route but also unlock Lolab Valley’s untapped potential as a prominent tourist destination.
Beyond its impact on trade and tourism, the completion of this road would contribute to overall regional development. It would ease access to education and healthcare facilities, enhance the transportation of goods and services, and stimulate socio-economic growth. Moreover, the road’s completion would foster stronger connections between the districts of Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla, promoting unity and cooperation among communities.
It is imperative for the authorities to prioritize the Bandipora-Lolab Road project and overcome bureaucratic hurdles and funding challenges, if any. The community eagerly awaits the completion of this essential road, representing their hopes for a brighter future. By investing in infrastructure and connectivity, the authorities can pave the way for a more prosperous North Kashmir, where residents can thrive and achieve their aspirations.
“The Lolab-Bandipora Road serves as a symbol of hope, promising improved connectivity and development in North Kashmir. Let the Lieutenant Governor (LG) administration, take the initiative, and ensure the successful realization of this critical project in the shortest possible time. By doing so, the government can uplift lives, unleash the region’s potential, and create a future filled with opportunities for generations to come,” said Ghulam Rasool, a senior citizen while talking to Kashmir Despatch.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, Nasir Lone, DDC SOGAM Lolab said that Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha promised District Development Council Kupwara on July 06 that Lolab-Bandipora Road will be taken up at the earliest.
