J&K road network crosses 41,000 km, boosting connectivity in border districts

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir is scripting a major success story in road connectivity, with the total road network at present standing at 41,141 km.

This large-scale expansion is being fuelled by multi-billon-rupee connectivity projects, particularly in remote and otherwise inaccessible border areas such as Rajouri, Poonch, Bandipora, Kupwara, Reasi and other distant districts.

The primary aim is to ensure all-weather connectivity, cut travel time and boost economic activity across these border regions.

BRO project emerges as key strategic route

In the Rajouri-Poonch border districts, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has undertaken construction of the Bahri Pattan-Jhallas road in the Nowshera-Poonch sector, described as a crucial border route. It is emerging as a lifeline for remote villages and an alternative to the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway.

The road, stretching approximately 213 km, is intended to improve internal connectivity while enabling safer, faster movement for civilians, tourists and security forces. Officials say it will play an important role in strengthening infrastructure in forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC).

Tourism, healthcare and jobs receive boost

Several religious and tourist destinations — including Baba Betamshah, Mangla Mata Temple, Veer Bhadreshwar Temple and Pir Shahlakh Dargah — are being connected with Poonch by the BRO to promote border and rural tourism.

Improved road links are already creating employment opportunities for residents who earlier travelled long distances for daily wage work.

Earlier, transporting patients to hospitals or evacuating injured persons during cross-border shelling posed major challenges. The expanded road network is expected to ease such movement, making it quicker, safer and more affordable.

Villages such as Jhangar, Sermakri, Bawani, Kalsian and nearby areas — once seen as remote and inaccessible — are now being linked, raising hopes of sustained development, improved security and economic growth.

The connectivity drive extends beyond Rajouri and Poonch to other border districts, including Bandipora and Kupwara in the Kashmir Valley.