Road to ease

Given its geographical make, Kashmir valley connects to the outer region, flanking it, through mountain passes. Given the weather, these mountain passes close during winter months as the snow banks and it takes months for it to melt. The roads that have been laid over decades passing through these mountain passes, though, have mede travel easier to and from the valley, but these roads close during rains and snowfall. The most important surface link that connects Kashmir to the outside is still the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

This road also witnesses closure once there is rainfall or snowfall. Though we have seen significant upgradation of this road now, with widening of the road, with multiple tunnels being built, and with many flyovers and bridges built over last many years, this road is now vastly different than it used to be in the earlier decades.

The other most important road link is the Mughal Road. It is considered as an alternative to the Srinagar-Jammu highway, and it has the potential to become one. Now that the road has been handed over to Border Roads Organisation, it is hoped that it will receive more attention and its upgradation will happen at a pace. Pertinent to mention that Mughal Road not only connected the two populous regions of J&K, that have had historical connections, but onwards it connects the valley with the rest of the country. That makes it truly an alternative to the existing highway.

There is a need that like the Srinagar-Jammu highway this road is also developed to take the volume of traffic and remain open year round. If it is widened at some places where it is required, if some tunnels are drilled and if some flyovers and mega bridges are laid, it will transform this road into a major highway. It can not only connect people within J&K, but can become an alternative route for the tourists coming to the valley. Not just that, it can give boost to business. It can bring lots of ease to a wider population.