SRINAGAR: Member of Parliament Er Rashid, during his two-day parole, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in the Parliament Chamber to discuss crucial infrastructure projects for North Kashmir.
During the meeting, Er Rashid strongly advocated for the construction of the Karnah, Machil, and Gurez tunnels, citing their importance in ensuring all-weather connectivity for regions that remain cut off for nearly six months each year due to heavy snowfall. He stressed that the tunnels would not only improve socio-economic conditions but also strengthen national integration.
He further pressed for the development of the Lolab-Bandipora road link and the Takipora Lolab-Sopore road to enhance regional trade and transport. Improved road connectivity, he argued, would significantly boost economic activity in these remote areas.
In response, Gadkari confirmed that work on the Karnah Tunnel has already commenced and assured that the remaining tunnel projects and inter-district road networks would be taken up with the Defence Ministry for further review.
Additionally, Er Rashid sought Rs 200 crore for the upgradation of National Highway roads and other infrastructure in North Kashmir. Gadkari assured full government support, reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to improving connectivity in remote regions.
