Rajouri, Oct 2: To enhance connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu regions, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recently approved a major highway project – National Highway-701A.
The project, aimed at providing an alternate all-weather route to the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, would follow the alignment of the historic Mughal Road, underscoring its strategic importance.
Officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) said that the highway project was already in its initial pre-start stage.
“Work on preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is actively underway, with teams assessing field conditions and finalising the alignment of the planned highway stretch,” officials said.
They said that this groundwork would determine the most feasible route and engineering specifications to ensure the road meets modern highway standards.
Simultaneously, authorities are preparing to initiate the land acquisition process.
Under current regulations, 90 percent of land acquisition must be completed before the commencement of construction.
BRO officials said that once the DPR is finalised, it would be submitted to MoRTH for tendering, paving the way for the formal start of construction activities.
The proposed NH-701A would originate from Magam in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and extend up to Surankote in Poonch, effectively covering the existing Mughal Road alignment.
A key feature of the plan is the construction of a 10-km tunnel from Chata Paani in Poonch to the Shopian side.
This tunnel, a long-standing demand of residents and stakeholders, is expected to transform the Mughal Road into an all-weather route, ensuring uninterrupted movement of essential supplies and passenger traffic even during harsh winters and frequent landslides.
Officials and local stakeholders believe the project would not only improve regional connectivity but also boost economic activities across the Pir Panjal region, providing a dependable alternative to the frequently disrupted Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
