The construction of a 300-kilometre highway connecting Rajouri in Jammu with Baramulla in north Kashmir via Shopian is set to commence soon.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been tasked with the construction of the road, which aims to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has engaged a consultant for Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services.
The scope includes conducting a feasibility study, preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR), and supervising the construction of the two-lane highway with paved shoulders, designated as NH-701A.
The route will connect key locations such as Shopian, Kellar, Pakherpora, Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, and Magam.
An official stated that the ₹3,300 crore project will link Rajouri and Poonch districts with the Kashmir Valley via the Mughal Road. The highway, which will feature four lanes and a width of around 70 feet, will eventually extend to Baramulla and Gulmarg in the Kashmir Valley.
The highway will begin at NH-1 near Narbal and terminate at NH-144A near Surankote in Poonch. Spanning 159 km between Magam and Surankote, the route will pass through major tourist destinations, including Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, and Charar-e-Sharief. The road will also traverse villages like Pakherpora, Kellar, Bafliaz, and Zawoora, providing a shorter and more efficient alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
The project, expected to be completed within two years, is designed to offer a smoother travel experience, bypassing traffic-prone areas like Srinagar and Jammu.
The BRO will oversee its construction, with a maintenance period of five years to ensure its longevity.
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