Srinagar, Sep 26: The first phase of the Kashmir Ring Road is being pushed towards completion by the end of December, with the administration undertaking a fresh assessment of pending issues to ensure that the 46-kilometre stretch becomes operational without further delay.
Speaking to reporters, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the first phase, extending from Galandar in Pulwama district to Narbal, is being monitored jointly by the administration, NHAI, traffic authorities and engineering departments to identify and resolve issues affecting the pace of work.
He said the exercise was aimed at clearing any remaining hurdles faced by executing agencies and ensuring that the project progresses according to the deadline fixed by the NHAI.
According to Garg, issues related to land acquisition and transmission towers that had earlier affected construction have now been addressed, with compensation for the concerned towers already disbursed.
“As of now, there are no obstructions either in terms of acquisition or utilities because of which the work has been halted,” Garg said, adding that efforts are underway to accelerate the remaining work.
Once commissioned, the stretch is expected to provide an alternative north-south route, allowing traffic moving towards areas including Baramulla, Bandipora and Sonamarg to bypass existing congested corridors.
The Div Com said Phase-I is part of a larger plan to create a complete ring road network, with the subsequent phase linking the route towards Ganderbal and further connectivity completing the larger circuit.
The administration is also examining proposals to improve connectivity between the Ring Road and the airport as well as nearby areas, including NIFT. Garg said consultations with stakeholders, including airport authorities and the Air Force, are being held in parallel.
A separate proposal is also being considered to provide relief to Budgam town through improved connectivity, with the NHAI expected to move the proposal internally after assessing its feasibility.
The field assessment also covered demands for direct access from villages located along the alignment. Garg said such access points would have to be examined in accordance with National Highway safety norms, taking into account factors such as traffic speed, exit spacing, curves, accident-prone locations and toll-related arrangements.
He said the administration would examine these requirements comprehensively while balancing local connectivity with highway safety standards.
Garg maintained that the NHAI’s internal target remains the end of December, although the pace of execution could be influenced by factors such as weather and availability of manpower.
The administration, he said, would continue coordinating with the concerned agencies to ensure that the project is opened for commuters at the earliest possible time.
