Ramban: Ankur Dogra, State Secretary JKPYC, has called for urgent action to restore National Highway 44 (NH-44) between Udhampur and Chenani, alongside the old alignment road connecting Maitra and Sub Division Gool, Sangaldhan and all link roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) which are damaged in Ramban district. The appeal comes in response to severe disruptions in supply chains caused by recent damages to these critical infrastructure links, primarily due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods.
The Jammu-Srinagar stretch of NH-44, often referred to as the lifeline of Kashmir, has been heavily impacted, with a 20-km stretch between Udhampur and Chenani suffering significant damage, including the critical Tharad Bridge. According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), full restoration of this vital highway could take months, with the reconstruction of the Tharad Bridge alone estimated to require at least six months. Partial connectivity has been restored, but ongoing adverse weather conditions continue to pose challenges.
Dogra emphasized the need for accelerated efforts, stating, “The disruption of NH-44 has choked the flow of essential goods, affecting the lives of thousands. Immediate restoration is critical to ensure economic stability and access to necessities.”
In addition to NH-44, Dogra highlighted the urgent need to restore the old alignment road and PMGSY roads in Ramban, which are essential for rural connectivity. The PMGSY, launched to provide all-weather road access to unconnected rural habitations, has been a cornerstone of rural development, However, in Ramban, recent natural calamities have damaged these roads, severely impacting access to markets, healthcare, and educational facilities in remote areas. Dogra noted, “The PMGSY roads are the backbone of our rural economy. Their restoration is non-negotiable to ensure that supply chains for essential commodities like food, medicine, and fuel are re-established.”
The District Administration of Ramban, led by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, is already working on a war footing to address the crisis, with inspections and restoration efforts underway on NH-44 and other key roads like the Pernote Bridge on the Ramban-Gool road. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also assured that the government is prioritizing the restoration of these vital links, with alternative routes being explored to enable two-way traffic in the interim.
Dogra called on the NHAI, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other relevant agencies to deploy additional resources and expedite restoration work. He also urged the state and central governments to allocate emergency funds to support these efforts and provide relief to affected communities. “The people of Ramban and the broader region cannot afford delays. We need a coordinated, swift response to restore connectivity and stabilize supply chains,” Dogra asserted.
