J&K Plans New Srinagar-Pahalgam Road to Boost Tourism
The project was discussed in response to a Starred Assembly Question raised by MLA Pampore, retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi. The Minister Incharge highlighted that the initiative would boost tourism and create employment opportunities in tourism and related sectors.
The proposed road consists of two segments:
Segment 1: Wahab Sahib Khrew to Pastuna, spanning 8 kilometers with an estimated cost of Rs 270 million (approximately $3.2 million). This segment requires acquiring 108 kanals of forest land and felling 845 trees, pending forest clearance. Segment 2: Tral-Bathnoor Bugmad to Pahalgam, with an estimated cost of Rs 441 million (approximately $5.3 million). This stretch also passes through forested areas, requiring the removal of numerous Kail and Deodar trees.
While the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both segments are prepared, the project's progress is contingent upon environmental approvals and securing necessary funding. The road is anticipated to drive economic growth by attracting tourists to the picturesque but underexplored Tral region.