Congress Legislator Advocates for Recognition of Anantnag–Kapran–Desa–Doda Road
In a recent statement, Congress legislator Ghulam Ahmad Mir emphasized the importance of recognizing the Anantnag–Kapran–Desa–Doda Road by the Jammu and Kashmir government. Mir highlighted that this recognition could potentially lead to the declaration of the road as a highway, providing a viable alternative to the often problematic Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.
During a session in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Mir raised concerns about the region’s heavy reliance on the NH-44 surface link to connect Kashmir with Jammu. He pointed out the vulnerabilities of this route, including susceptibility to landslides and frequent weather-related disruptions.
Mir stressed the urgent need for additional infrastructure, citing the existing Anantnag-Kapran-Desa-Doda Road as a promising alternative corridor. He highlighted that this road could effectively link south Kashmir with the Chenab Valley and Jammu, offering a more stable and reliable route.
Efforts to bring attention to the Anantnag-Kapran-Desa-Doda Road date back to 2013-14 when proposals were initially submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. More recently, Member of Parliament Mian Altaf and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have resubmitted these proposals for consideration.
While the Ministry has indicated that the UT government must officially recognize the road before further action can be taken, Mir remains optimistic about its potential as a highway. He urged the government to prioritize the project in the current budget and complete all necessary formalities promptly.
Notably, Mir commended the Prime Minister’s approval of the Lakhimpora–Basoli–Bani–Baderwah–Doda Road, noting its positive impact on the region. He expressed hope that the Anantnag-Kapran route would also receive similar development opportunities as part of an extended network.
Describing the Anantnag-Kapran-Desa-Doda road as a critical link with strategic and national significance, Mir emphasized its importance in enhancing connectivity and reducing reliance on the NH-44 route. He highlighted the road’s potential benefits for various sectors, including fruit growers, traders, pilgrims, and defense movements.
In a letter to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Mir underscored the road’s all-weather reliability and suitability for diverse uses such as fruit transportation, religious pilgrimages, and logistical operations. He called for the road to be declared a National Highway and for the preparation of a detailed project report by the National Highways Authority of India.
With its hard-rock construction and reduced susceptibility to natural disasters, the Anantnag-Kapran-Desa-Doda Road presents a promising solution to the region’s connectivity challenges. Mir urged the Centre to take decisive action in either declaring the road a State Highway or notifying it directly as a National Highway for improved infrastructure development.
Currently, the road is accessible up to Habal Mundu in Kapran on the Kashmir side and extends to Manjami in Desa on the Jammu side. Efforts are underway to extend its reach further, ensuring seamless connectivity between south Kashmir and the Chenab Valley.
