Mughal road to be ready by September 2011

JAMMU - The Mughal road that connects Kashmir Valley to the hilly and border belt of Jammu region will be ready by September 2011.

The road was scheduled to open in June this year but the unrest in Kashmir made the migrant labourers flee the area. Also, a prolonged spell of rains triggered landslides which further delayed its completion in time.

Now, the 80 km stretch of the road that has historical connotations because the route was used by Mughal emperors has been made double-laned from Bafliaz on Jammu side and Shopian on the valley side, according to sources here.

The project cost Rs.639.85 crore.

This historic inter-regional road link would not only reduce travel distance but also serve as dependable alternative to Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which remains closed due to heavy rains or snow during winters, Minister of State for Public Works Javed Dar told reporters here Saturday.

The road would integrate the local economy of Poonch, Rajouri and Shopian districts, opening new trade avenues for the people of these areas, he said.