The Hindu : National : Alternate road link with Jammu & Kashmir

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Sunday, Jul 03, 2005

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National

Alternate road link with Jammu & Kashmir

Staff Reporter

Work on the Bhaderwah-Bani road link began in 1972

BHADERWAH (DODA): An alternate road link has been established with Jammu and Kashmir which will reduce the distance between the

State and the rest of the country. The Bhaderwah-Bani road link which was created 33 years back has been opened to the public.

In 1972, a plan was implemented to provide an alternate link to Jammu and Kashmir. Two road networks — the Bhaderwah-Bani-Basolhi and the Bhaderwah-Chamba (Chamba district falls in Himachal Pradesh) — were termed crucial for the State's progress.

These roads would have considerably reduced the traffic flow on the Delhi-Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1. It was also important for the people in Doda district which is a poverty-stricken belt and geographically isolated from the rest of the country.

Hit by militancy

But just when the work had been completed, the dawn of militancy affected the project. As the tract passed through areas infested by militants, it was not advisable to resume work.

The work on the Bhaderwah-Bani-Basolhi tract was revived four years back but was stopped last July after militants killed three workers at the Sangal Dhar area, 25 km from Bhaderwah.

The project was re-started this month and Beacon authorities deployed 100 men and three bull dozers. The road has been completed and more than 500 vehicles have plied on the tract.

The road will open new economic vistas for the families living here as most are below the poverty line.

Many hamlets such as upper Thannala of the Bhaderwah tehsil have poor educational standards due to the geographical isolation. The link will provide access to the prosperous markets.

The poor Rajmash growers are dependent on the Punjab-based traders for selling their produce.

The Bhaderwah Rajmash is sold for Rs.50 a kg in the cities while local growers are paid half the amount.

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