MP Rashid meets Gadkari, seeks infra for north Kashmir

Jailed Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid met Union Roadways Minister Nitin Gadkari in the Parliament chamber on Friday and sought key infrastructure projects crucial for the development of North Kashmir.

The Delhi High Court had on Monday granted two days of custody parole to Engineer Rashid, allowing him to attend the ongoing Parliament budget session on February 11 and 13.

A party statement said during the discussion, Rashid strongly advocated for the construction of the Karnah, Machil and Gurez tunnels, “stressing their critical importance as these regions remain cut off from the rest of the country for nearly six months every year due to heavy snowfall.”

He emphasised that these tunnels would provide all-weather connectivity, improving the socio-economic conditions of the people and strengthening national integration. Rashid highlighted the need for Lolab-Bandipora road connectivity, linking the Lolab Valley with Bandipora district, as well as the Takipora Lolab-Sopore road, which would enhance regional connectivity and facilitate better trade and transport.

Responding to these demands, Nitin Gadkari confirmed that the process for the Karnah Tunnel has already begun and assured that the other proposed tunnels and inter-district road networks would be taken up with the Defence Ministry for further consideration.

Rashid also demanded Rs 200 crore for the upgradation of National Highways and other road infrastructure in North Kashmir, emphasising the urgent need to modernise road connectivity in the region. Gadkari assured full support for the proposed projects, reiterating the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in remote areas.