Baramulla, Nov 5: The ambitious project of the Jammu and Kashmir administration aimed at transforming the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway into a four-lane thoroughfare and doubling the Baramulla-Uri Highway is making significant strides, bringing promises of improved connectivity and smoother travel experiences to the people of north Kashmir.
The Baramulla district administration has made substantial advancements in the land acquisition process across various packages.
Notable progress includes 65 percent completion of the 1-A Narbal to Pattan section, 85 percent for 1-B Tapper to Sangrama, an impressive 99 percent for the Sangrama flyover, and 95 percent for the Delina flyover.
However, the land acquisition process for the Pattan Bypass, Baramulla Bypass, and the Baramulla to Uri double-lane highway has not yet commenced.
However, authorities have assured that the groundwork for these pending acquisitions is underway, and land acquisition for both the bypasses and the Baramulla-Uri highway will be initiated soon.
The Srinagar-Baramulla four-lane project is a flagship initiative prioritised by the J&K administration.
Upon completion, it will streamline the commute between Srinagar and Uri, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
As of the current progress report, comprehensive strides have been made in the four major packages – Narbal-Pattan, Tapper-Sangrama, Sangrama flyover, and Delina flyover.
These packages encompass a total of 96.1146 hectares of land, comprising 27.5442 hectares for Narbal-Pattan, Tapper-Sangrama, Sangrama flyover, and Delina flyover, and an additional 68.5704 hectares for the Pattan and Baramulla bypasses, and the Baramulla-Uri double-lane highway.
The authorities have so far disbursed approximately Rs 198.24 crore among the beneficiaries of the first four packages.
With 637 structures initially in the path of expansion from Narbal to Delina (excluding Pattan and Baramulla Bypass), 503 structures have already been demolished, with 134 structures yet to undergo the same fate.
Though authorities in Baramulla assure that the work on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway would adhere to the stipulated timeline, it’s undeniable that progress has been somewhat slow on the Pattan and Baramulla Bypass, in addition to the double-laning of the Baramulla-Uri highway.
Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Baramulla, Mumtaz Ahmad, shared his optimism about the project, saying, “The work on the project is progressing satisfactorily. The groundwork, including land acquisition for the Baramulla and Pattan bypass, is in progress, and the Baramulla-Uri double-laning is also advancing well. We are vigorously following the groundwork and have made significant progress. The remaining work will be completed within the stipulated time.”
The transformation of the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway and the Baramulla-Uri Highway holds immense significance, not only in terms of transportation but also for the economic development and enhanced connectivity it will bring to the area.