Sajjad Shaheen Launches Rs. 19.6 mn Lamber Road Project
The project addresses a long-standing demand from residents of Lamber and adjoining villages, who have faced difficulties because of the lack of direct highway connectivity. Once completed, the road is expected to reduce travel distances, improve access and facilitate the movement of residents and essential goods. Shaheen said improved connectivity remained a priority for remote and mountainous areas of the constituency.
He said nearly four dozen road projects had been sanctioned across Banihal-Gool during the past two years, with some under execution and others scheduled to begin. He also highlighted works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV, including the Ramsoo-Sarbagni, Makerkote-Dardahi and Livra-Gagarnag roads, with a combined estimated cost of Rs. 647.4 mn.
Shaheen referred to bridge projects intended to improve access to remote habitations, including the Bagdampora Bridge connecting Padgampora with Khowra Khari. Tenders for the bridge have been floated at an estimated cost of Rs. 29.15 mn, and the project is expected to benefit Khawra, Lablutha, Dangaam, Galseer, Arpinchla and nearby villages. He also mentioned the recently launched Model Higher Secondary School in Banihal, estimated to cost Rs. 107.4 mn.
The MLA said power infrastructure was being strengthened through augmentation of receiving stations at Banihal and Sangaldan, along with ongoing work at Khari. He added that initiatives were under way to improve healthcare, public services and sports facilities, including proposals for 58 playgrounds, seven mini-stadiums and an indoor stadium. Executive Engineer Iqbal Bhai, Assistant Engineer Nasir Ahmad Wani, party functionaries and residents of Lamber attended the foundation-stone ceremony.