SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has informed Baramulla MP Er Rashid that proposed tunnels at Razdan Pass and Machil Pass are being considered for execution under the Other Than Capital Acquisition (OTCA) budget, according to a written response cited by the Awami Itihaad Party.
In a statement, Awami Itihaad Party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the Minister’s reply addressed issues raised by the MP regarding the Lolab (Kupwara)–Dardpora–Bandipora Road, the Lolab–Takipora–Sopore Road, and the proposed Machil and Gurez tunnels.
The Minister stated that the Ministry primarily deals with National Highways and that the proposed roads are not currently notified as National Highways. He added that the matter has been examined and, as conveyed by the Border Roads Organisation, the tunnels at Razdan Pass and Machil Pass have been considered for the OTCA budget.
The reply also noted that the policy for declaration of new National Highways is under consultation and that proposals for new National Highways will be processed after revised guidelines and criteria are finalised.
The party said the communication indicates that connectivity proposals for North Kashmir remain under consideration by the concerned authorities.
