Banihal, Oct 5: Continuing the thrust on improving road connectivity and strengthening basic infrastructure in the remote and far-flung areas of Banihal-Gool Assembly Constituency, MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, today laid the foundation stones of two important road projects in the Chamalwas-Neel area and announced an ambulance for Neel to strengthen emergency healthcare and medical access for the local population.
The two road projects include the Krachihal–Tabela Road and the Sinigam–Kawansool Road, being taken up at a combined estimated cost of ₹4.61 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Sajjad Shaheen said that better road connectivity remains one of his foremost priorities, particularly in the mountainous and difficult-to-reach areas of the constituency.
He said these roads will provide safer and more reliable connectivity to local communities, improve access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and facilitate the movement of agricultural and other local produce.
Highlighting the importance of healthcare access in remote areas, Shaheen also announced an ambulance for Neel, saying that timely availability of emergency transportation can prove crucial for patients, particularly during medical emergencies and adverse weather conditions.
He said that road infrastructure and healthcare facilities are not merely development projects but are directly linked with the safety, economic opportunities, education, healthcare and overall quality of life of people living in remote areas.
“The people of Banihal-Gool have long faced difficulties because of inadequate road connectivity and limited access to essential services. Our endeavour is to ensure that every remote habitation is gradually brought into the mainstream of development. The two road projects, along with the ambulance for Neel, are important steps in that direction,” Shaheen said.»
The MLA said that several other major development projects are simultaneously being taken up across the Banihal-Gool constituency in different sectors.
He said substantial work is underway in the education sector, including improvement of school infrastructure and provision of modern facilities, while efforts are also continuing to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and medical services in remote areas.
In the road and connectivity sector, several major projects have either been sanctioned, tendered or are under execution under different schemes, including PMGSY and other government programmes. These include important road links connecting remote villages and habitations, along with bridges aimed at improving all-weather connectivity.
Shaheen further said that several bridge projects have also been taken up across the constituency, while work is progressing on various road links in areas including Khari, Mahoo, Mangit, Pogal, Neel, Gool, Ramsoo, Sangaldan and other remote pockets.
He said that strengthening of the power distribution network, augmentation of receiving stations, improvement of water supply, development of tourism infrastructure, playgrounds and public amenities are also receiving focused attention.
The MLA reiterated that his approach is to ensure balanced and equitable development across all seven tehsils of the Banihal-Gool constituency, with particular emphasis on remote and previously neglected areas.
“Development should reach every village and every habitation, irrespective of how remote or difficult the terrain may be. My commitment is to continue raising the issues of the people at every appropriate forum and to work for the timely execution of sanctioned projects,” he said.
Shaheen expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, and the concerned departments for their support and cooperation in taking forward various development initiatives in the constituency.
He also urged the executing agencies to maintain quality standards and adhere strictly to prescribed timelines, so that the people can derive the intended benefits of these projects at the earliest.
The foundation stone laying programme was attended by officers of the concerned departments, public representatives, local residents, prominent citizens and party workers.
