Banihal, Oct 22: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal–Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, today laid the foundation stone of a road project connecting Lamber GujjarNar with the National Highway 44 at an estimated cost of ₹1.96 crore. The project has been approved under the Road Sector and will be executed by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department.
The project fulfils a long-pending demand of the people of Lamber and adjoining villages, who have faced considerable inconvenience due to the lack of direct connectivity with the National Highway. Upon completion, the road is expected to reduce travel distance, improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of people and essential goods.
Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said that improving road connectivity remains a key priority, particularly in the remote and mountainous areas of Banihal–Gool, where inadequate infrastructure has historically affected the daily lives of residents.
He said that nearly four dozen road projects have been sanctioned across the constituency during the past two years, with several works under execution and others expected to commence shortly. He added that sustained efforts are being made to address longstanding infrastructure gaps and ensure balanced development across the constituency.
Referring to major road and bridge projects, the MLA highlighted works being undertaken under PMGSY-IV, including the Ramsoo–Sarbagni, Makerkote–Dardahi and Livra–Gagarnag roads, with a combined estimated cost of ₹64.74 crore. He also referred to several bridge projects sanctioned across the constituency to improve connectivity in remote habitations.
Shaheen further mentioned the Bagdampora Bridge project, connecting Padgampora with Khowra Khari, for which tenders have been floated at an estimated cost of ₹291.49 lakh. The bridge is expected to benefit Khawra, Lablutha, Dangaam, Galseer, Arpinchla and adjoining villages.
Highlighting developments in the education sector, he referred to the foundation stone recently laid for the Model Higher Secondary School, Banihal, at an estimated cost of ₹10.74 crore. He said that strengthening educational infrastructure and expanding access to quality education remain among his foremost priorities.
The MLA also highlighted initiatives to strengthen power infrastructure, including the augmentation of receiving stations at Banihal and Sangaldan, the ongoing augmentation at Khari, and other measures aimed at improving electricity supply. He said that efforts are also underway to improve healthcare facilities, strengthen public services and expand sports infrastructure across the constituency.
Referring to sports development, Shaheen said that proposals for 58 playgrounds, seven mini-stadiums and an indoor stadium have been taken up to provide better facilities to local youth and encourage participation in sports.
He said that several development projects involving investments worth crores of rupees have been sanctioned over the past two years, reflecting sustained efforts to address the infrastructure deficit in Banihal–Gool.
Shaheen expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Surinder Choudhary for their support and for facilitating development initiatives in the constituency.
He said that continued cooperation between the government and elected representatives is essential for addressing public grievances, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring that development reaches remote and far-flung areas.
“Banihal–Gool has significant development potential. Our focus is on bridging the longstanding gap between remote and better-connected areas and ensuring that people have access to essential infrastructure and public services. I will continue to pursue the timely implementation of sanctioned projects and take up the genuine demands of the people with the government,” Shaheen said.
Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Iqbal Bhai; Assistant Engineer Nasir Ahmad Wani; senior party functionaries, prominent party functionaries and prominent residents of Lamber and adjoining villages were present on the occasion. The local residents welcomed the initiative and appreciated the efforts to address their longstanding demand for improved road connectivity.
