Diplomat Correspondent
Pogal Paristan (Ramban),DD: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, today laid the foundation stone for the Panchal to Khawrihal road, sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY). The road project, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹623.09 lakhs, spans 2.20 kilometres and is expected to benefit 400 households, providing them with improved connectivity and essential access to services.
The road, sanctioned under PMGSY-IV, Batch-I, fulfills a long-pending demand of residents of Panchal, Khawrihal, and adjoining habitations. On completion, it will substantially ease mobility, reduce travel time, and improve access to healthcare, education, markets, and administrative facilities.
Speaking at the occasion, Shaheen said that the Government is committed to strengthening road infrastructure across Banihal constituency.
He highlighted that in just the first year after assuming office, 19 roads have been sanctioned under PMGSY Phase-I, alongside several bridges, including the main Banihal bridge, and multiple others across Banihal–Gool constituency.
He further informed that during the same period, 12 major roads were macadamised under C&T, while 13 roads have been approved for improvement under the Pothole-Free initiative, work on which will commence in the coming days.
Sajad Shaheen added that around three dozen new roads are being proposed under PMGSY Phase-II, and several additional road projects are already in the pipeline for approval.
Reaffirming the developmental priorities, Shaheen said:
“The priority of the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is to ensure that every area—no matter how remote—is connected with a dependable road network. Along with improved connectivity, the focus remains on providing all basic facilities such as clean drinking water, quality education, reliable healthcare, and uninterrupted electricity to our people.”
He emphasized timely completion and adherence to quality standards, directing PMGSY engineers and executing agencies to ensure high-quality work within the stipulated timeframe.
Local residents expressed gratitude to MLA Sajjad Shaheen for fulfilling their decades-old demand and acknowledged his consistent efforts to bring development to remote and backward regions of Banihal constituency.
Executive Engineer PMGSY, Sansar Singh, along with officers of the department, local party functionaries, and prominent citizens, were present on the occasion.DD
