MLA Sajjad Shaheen inaugurates 3 vital road projects in Banihal

Srinagar, Nov 30: In what is being hailed as a historic milestone for the Banihal–Gool constituency, National Conference leader and MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, today inaugurated three major road projects—Ramsoo–Dardahi Road, Makerkote–Dardahi Road, and Livra–Gagarnag Road—sanctioned under PMGSY 4 at a combined cost of Rs 64. 74 crore. The launch of these vital connectivity links marks the fulfilment of a long-standing demand of the people living in these remote and hilly habitations, who for decades have endured severe hardships due to the absence of proper road access.

Addressing the gathering, Shaheen described the day as one that brings renewed hope and genuine smiles to thousands of residents.

He said that the people of Dardahi, Makerkote, Livra, Gagarnag and adjoining villages suffered unimaginable difficulties—patients had to be carried on shoulders, schoolchildren struggled to reach their institutions, and essential supplies often reached late after long delays. He added that providing road connectivity to these areas was a core promise he made during his election campaign, and he felt honoured to have fulfilled it today. “This is not just a road inauguration; it is the beginning of a new life for these villages. It is a moment of satisfaction for me personally, because I pledged to end the hardships of our people, and today that promise stands honoured,” he said.

Shaheen further stated that the present government, under the leadership of CM Omar Abdullah, has brought an era of unprecedented development to Banihal–Gool. A constituency once labelled backward and ignored by previous administrations is now witnessing a transformation across all sectors. He highlighted that major works in roads, bridges, drinking water, flood protection, irrigation, health, education, electricity, rural development, sports, agriculture and horticulture have not only been sanctioned but many have already entered the execution stage. He emphasised that these achievements are not isolated events but part of a larger, well-planned developmental vision aimed at ensuring that every village, every household and every sector feels the impact of good governance. “Our mission is simple: to build a Banihal–Gool where people do not have to struggle for basic amenities, where roads connect opportunities, where schools empower children, where healthcare is accessible, and where every family feels secure and dignified,” he said.

He assured the public that many more major projects—long delayed for years—have already been approved and will soon see ground-level execution. DDC Chairperson Dr Shamshada Shan, District President Ramban Abid Magrey, DDC Councillor Fayaz Naik, Former BDC Chairman Mohd Shafiq Katoch, Zonal Vice President Riyaz Mir, Block Presidents Nisar Sohil, Shakibur Reham Runyal, Imtyaz Mughal, besides Mohammad Azam Sohil, Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh, Ch Jamat Ali, Dilber Sohil, Mustafa Sohil, Umar Katoch ,Nazir Manhas, Abdul Rashid Malik, Hasmatullah Sohil, also spoke on tge occasion.

Local residents of Dardani, Sarbagni and Gagarnag expressed joy and immense relief at the inauguration of the three road projects, calling it a transformative moment for villages that had been cut off for decades. They praised MLA Sajjad Shaheen for his efforts, dedicated outreach and consistent delivery on his commitments, affirming that the constituency is finally witnessing the kind of development it long deserved, it said.