Mughal Road Project
Locals pin high hopes
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Chattapani-Mughal Road, July 9
The residents have been anticipating the Mughal road project with high hopes. The project, which would be the shortest road link between Jammu and Kashmir provinces, would be completed by April 2009.

The locals have been frequenting the project sites to see the progress of work. The 89-km-long road, once completed, would reduce the travelling distance by three times. Besides, it would be a big boost for farmers, who would be able to sell their produce in Kashmir markets.

The people are hoping that the project would also boost tourism prospects.

“This road means a lot for us. Once the construction work of the road is completed and it is opened for vehicular traffic, it will change our destinies,” said Riyaz Ahmed, a engineer and resident of Surankote, who along with his two sons Aqib and Asif had come to the project site.

Farooq Ahmed, a local farmer, here said, “I grow maize, turnip and Knol Khol in my land. At present we don’t have a good market for our produce. So we have to sell the produce at throw away prices in the local market but once this road opens, it will definitely help us in getting good rates in markets of Kashmir.”

Jasbir Singh, junior engineer, Road and Buildings Department, said out of 89 km, 43 km of road lies in Poonch district and rest in Kashmir province. “We are hoping to construct the road on this side by the year end. Next year we will probably complete double laning of the road that lies in Poonch district,” he said.