Bandipora–Gurez road to get strategic upgrade prior to National Highway proposal: Gurezi

Bandipora, Oct 26: Former Deputy Speaker and MLA Gurez, Nazir Gurezi, said the Bandipora–Gurez road will first be upgraded as a strategic route, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected within two weeks, before seeking National Highway status from the Centre, aiming to boost tourism, local business, and connectivity in the region.

Speaking at a public gathering in Bandipora, Gurezi said, “Chief Minister is personally pursuing the matter. Our effort is to make the Bandipora–Gurez road a strategic road.”

“Within the next ten to fifteen days, the tender for preparing the DPR (Detailed Project Report) will be issued. Once the DPR is ready, we will request the Government of India to declare it a National Highway,” Gurezi said.

He said that the development of Gurez is inseparable from Bandipora’s own progress.

“If Gurez develops, Bandipora develops. Every vehicle that goes to Gurez passes through Bandipora. The tourist doesn’t go directly to Gurez, he first comes to Bandipora,” Gurezi said.

He added that improved road connectivity would enhance tourism and local business.

“When a tourist comes to Bandipora, he will learn about Wullar Lake. We can tell him to stay a night here and show him Chandeji, Athwatoo, and other scenic places,” he added.

He said once hotels and restaurants come up, tourists will stop here for meals while going to and returning from Gurez.

“It will benefit all of us,” he said.

Commenting on the traffic situation in the town, Gurezi said, “When we pass through the Bandipora market, the road gets so choked that it sometimes takes half an hour just to cross it.”

He said, “Once the National Highway comes, it will make a big difference to all of us”, not just Bandipora.

Expressing gratitude to residents, he added, “When people say ‘your Bandipora’, I feel proud. Bandipora belongs to all of us, and its progress is our collective progress.”