Srinagar, June 23 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) National Convenor Nasir Khuehami on Tuesday urged the Centre to expedite key infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including granting National Highway status to the Bandipora–Gurez road and constructing the long-awaited Gurez Tunnel, saying the projects are vital for connectivity, development and border security.
Khuehami raised the issues during a meeting with Vaibhav Dange, Chairman of the Build India Foundation and Advisor to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. He was accompanied by Kunal Sharma, Founder of the International Ruskin Bond School and President of the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad.
The meeting focused on infrastructure-led development, governance reforms and policy initiatives related to highways, logistics and India’s long-term growth strategy. Discussions also covered sustainable infrastructure, employment generation, entrepreneurship, digital governance and improving road connectivity in remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the challenges faced by residents of Gurez Valley, Khuehami said the region remains cut off from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir for several months each year due to heavy snowfall at Razdan Pass, disrupting access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
He said the proposed Bandipora–Gurez Highway and Gurez Tunnel would provide all-weather connectivity, strengthen border infrastructure, boost tourism, generate employment opportunities and improve the region’s economic prospects while enhancing the quality of life for local residents.
Khuehami also stressed the need for sustained investment in modern infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir to unlock the Union Territory’s economic potential and ensure inclusive development. He expressed hope that infrastructure projects in strategically important border areas would continue to receive priority under the leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.(KINS)
