Construction of link road at Nillah Pati begins in Ganderbal

Umar Raina
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18 Dec 2025

Ganderbal, Dec 18: The construction work on the link road at Nillah Pati, Surfraw, in Tehsil Gund of Ganderbal began in the presence of MLA Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali. The road is being built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). MLA Ali said the demand for the road was very old. Mehar said his father, Mian Altaf Ahmad, had first taken up the issue years ago and started work under the NREGA scheme in 2011. “It was his dream project. After I became an MLA, I continued the effort, and today the work has finally started here,” he said. The MLA said the work began two to three days ago, and the local contractor, Hafiz Tariq, informed him about the progress. Mehar expressed hope that the project would be completed smoothly and on time. "I have spoken to local residents, as there are many houses along the road alignment," he said. Mehar Ali further clarified that PMGSY does not provide compensation, but assured people that the road will be constructed carefully and as per norms. He said the department has assured him that the existing situation will be maintained as much as possible. “Once work starts properly, it will be completed soon. We expect it to be finished by July or August next year,” he said. The MLA praised PMGSY for completing several road projects in the area, including Andarwan Road and Chattergul and said that two projects—Prang and Barandara—are still pending but are expected to be taken up soon. He said that in the last one to one-and-a-half years, maximum road works have been completed in the Kangan constituency. He said road connectivity has improved in many areas, such as Kashpatri, and efforts are being made to cover the remaining villages. “The population has increased, and times have changed. We are working accordingly under R&B, PMGSY and other central schemes, which I personally monitor,” he said. Touching upon tourism and winter activities, the MLA said the opening of the Sonamarg tunnel has helped keep Sonamarg open during winter, leading to better facilities, power and water supply. He expressed hope for good snowfall this season, saying it would help revive winter tourism and generate employment for local youth.