Alternate to Jmu-Sgr Highway
By: Sajjad Iqbal
The all important Budhal Shopian road can be an alternate route between Jammu and Kashmir. Presently there are only two roads which are connecting Jammu with Kashmir. Most of the time travelers on the arterial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway have to face heavy traffic jams and other disruptions.
The condition of Mughal Road, another link between Jammu division and Kashmir is the same. The road remain closed for 5 to 6 months in the winters and in summer the road also remain closed because land sliding occurs regularly during rainy days.
During winters Jammu Srinagar Highway also remained closed for many days when there is snowfall at Jawahar Tunnel and Banihal areas of the National High way. Not only do locals face huge inconveniences but the tourists also get a bad experience of road travel to Kashmir.
In such scenario Budhal Shopian road can be the solution of all the problems which occurs frequently on Jammu Srinagar highway and on Mughal road. Budhal Shopian road is approximately 90 km and can provide all weather connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
The survey of Budhal-Shopian road was conducted during PDP-BJP regime and the preliminary project report was completed but the project is yet to be sanctioned. Budhal Shopian road can also be a good source of development for Pirpanjal area. This road will connect many tourist spots from Akhnoor to Shopian and it will also connect many undiscovered places and lakes which are located through the upper ranges of Budhal.
Tourist spots start from Akhnoor area of Jammu district which is 28 km away from Jammu and located on Jammu Poonch Highway. The Akhnoor fort which lies on the bank of the Chenab River. This two-storeyed fort is under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1982 and has been declared a national monument protected under the monument act, 1958.
The Jia Pota Ghat on the right bank of Chenab at Akhnoor is the crowning glory of this ancient town. The Jia Pota Ghat got its name from the Jia Pota tree under whose shade the Raj Tilak ceremony of Maharaja Gulab Singh took place.
Manda on the right bank of the River Chenab in the foothills of the Pirpanjal range, is considered as the northernmost limit of the Harappan civilization.
Chingus Fort also known as Chingus Sarai, is located on the main Jammu –Poonch high way and it is only 35 kilometers from Rajouri.
Dhanidhar Fort is a historical monument located on a hillock about 2 kms from Rajouri town.
Shahdara Sharif Shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (RA) is very famous and is famously known by the name of “seindara”.
Dudhadhari temple, also known by the name of Dudhadhari Barfani Ashram, is situated in Rajouri town. Another picturesque location, Dhakyar is the highest peak of Rajouri district and is located in Kotranka area. Dhakyar Sar is located on the foot hills of this peak.
Kotranka town is another beautiful place to visit where many beautiful tourist spots are waiting for tourist to come. Some of the tourist spots which are located in Kotranka are eco tourism park Kotranka, and river, Nanga Thub, Ziyarat Hazrat Baji Shafi (RA), Phalni fish pond, Patli, Chapri, Kewal, all these spots are close to Rajouri Budhal highway.
Importantly, trade and tourism through Budhal Shopian road can play a big role in development of Pirpanjal, beside all weather connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu. Budhal-shopian road also connect Reasi district to Kashmir valley via Mahore Budhal road.
