Srinagar
The Centre has agreed in principle to accord national highway status to Mughal Road connecting Kashmir and Jammu provinces through Rajouri and Poonch. The Centre has also decided to put the construction of the Vailoo-Singhpora and Chenani-Sudhmahadev tunnels on the fast track.

These decisions were taken at a joint meeting chaired by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in New Delhi on Wednesday.

It was informed that the process for the formulation of reports on these projects had already been started and the consultancy report had been received by the Union Government. With the melting of snow on these roads, further action would be initiated, it was informed.

Terming connectivity a critical factor in bridging the mental divide between the people of Kashmir and the rest of the country, the Chief Minister stressed taking up these tunnel projects on national priority.

She also raised the demand for the fast-tracking of the Baramulla-Gulmarg-Loran road, which was founded in 2015. The road would provide alternate connectivity to Gulmarg via Poonch, thus ensuring more inter-regional connectivity and giving the tourist inflow a push.

The Union Minister directed the agencies concerned to use latest technologies and soil-stabilising methods for construction, so that the project was completed at the earliest.

Mehbooba also took up the issue of the 80-km Doda-Dessa-Kapran road connecting Doda district with Anantnag. The Union Minister ordered completion of all formalities on the project, including forest clearances.