SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said no proposal has been framed so far to widen or upgrade the old National Highway stretch between Pantha Chowk and Galander in Pampore, despite the road carrying substantial traffic linked to the Khrew-Khonmoh industrial belt and NH-44.
In a written reply to an unstarred question by MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the Public Works (R&B) Department said the 4.50-km Pantha Chowk-Sempora stretch is currently under its maintenance and a tender for its repair and maintenance has been floated.
The department confirmed that the road remains an important link for passenger and goods transport, particularly because of industrial activity in the Khrew-Khonmoh belt and the movement of goods vehicles connecting with NH-44.
However, it said no traffic study has been conducted to establish the proportion of Jammu-Srinagar transport using the road, rejecting the basis for the claim that around 40 per cent of such transport continues to use the route.
The department also said there is currently no proposal to recommend the Lethpora-Khrew-Khonmoh-Pantha Chowk road to the National Highways Authority of India for upgradation as a National Highway bypass.
The government said security force installations at Khrew, Khonmoh, Zewan and Pantha Chowk also contribute to the road’s significance, while confirming its continued role in passenger and goods movement.
