New Delhi : Member of Legislative Assembly from Jasrota constituency, Shri Rajiv Jasrotia, today met Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi and strongly advocated for the development of critical road infrastructure and railway connectivity projects in Jasrota constituency of District Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir.During the meeting, Shri Jasrotia submitted a detailed written representation highlighting the urgent infrastructural needs of the constituency, with a special focus on road connectivity, railway underpasses, and long-pending railway expansion proposals.
The MLA drew the Union Minister’s attention to the NH Rajbagh–Mahanal road stretch, measuring approximately 23 kilometres, describing it as a road of immense religious, social and tourism importance. He emphasized that the route connects prominent religious and tourist destinations such as Jasrota Mata Temple, Charan Kamal Gurudwara and Shiv Gufa Mahanal, and caters daily to pilgrims, tourists, students, patients and local commuters.Shri Jasrotia further pointed out that the Government Homeopathic College is located along this route, resulting in heavy daily movement of students, staff and patients. Owing to its narrow width and deteriorated condition, the road is causing traffic congestion and serious safety concerns. He sought widening and improvement of the road under the Central Road Fund (CRF), noting that the DPR cost is approximately ₹50.46 crore.
The MLA also pressed for early approval of eight crucial road projects proposed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for Jasrota constituency. These projects, spread across Dinga Amb, Barnoti and Keerian Gandyal blocks, are vital for strengthening rural connectivity and access to essential services.In Dinga Amb Block, Link Road L023 has been proposed to connect the 3rd kilometre of Sounkhal Road to Sunkhal ST Basti, covering 2 kilometres.In Barnoti Block, multiple important roads have been proposed, including Link Road L021 from the 5th kilometre of Ghatti–Suffain Road to Jodh (12 km), Link Road L024 from the 6th kilometre of Dasanu Choie Road to Porth Salada (12 km), Link Road L022 from the 8th kilometre of Ghatti–Suffain Road to Uchapind (5 km), Link Road L053 from the 2nd kilometre of Maliaman–Motabeor Road to Piss (15 km), and Link Road L052 from the 9th kilometre of Boura Road to Kunail (8 km).
In Keerian Gandyal Block, Link Road L039 from the 1st kilometre of Tridwan Road to Khoinal (6 km) and Link Road L040 from Dukhat to Bindli (4 km) have been proposed.Shri Jasrotia stressed that early sanction of these PMGSY roads would significantly boost rural development, economic activity and the overall quality of life of the people in the region.Raising serious public safety concerns, the MLA highlighted the problems caused by railway level crossings in densely populated areas of the constituency. He urged the Union Minister to sanction Railway Underpasses (RUBs) on priority at NH Rajbagh to Jasrota, NH Barnoti to Budhi, NH Logate More to Logate, and NH Ghatti More to Ghatti Industrial Area. He pointed out that frequent train movements lead to long delays, disruption of emergency services and pose risks to school-going children and daily commuters.
Shri Jasrotia also brought to notice an important railway infrastructure proposal prepared by Nav Kathua Railway Station Nirmaan Samiti, Kathua, aimed at connecting Kathua, Billawer, Basholi, Bani and Bhaderwah with the main railway network through the shortest and most feasible route.According to the proposal, the railway project is planned in five phases, covering a total length of 185.15 kilometres, ensuring phased execution for better feasibility and cost management. Phase–I proposes connectivity from Azizpur (Madhopur, Punjab) to Kathua town and Billawer (38.50 km), followed by Phase–II from Billawer to Manwal (53.65 km), Phase–III from Phinni Nalla to Basholi (27.12 km), Phase–IV from Basholi to Bani (36.88 km), and Phase–V from Bani to Bhaderwah (29.00 km).
It was informed that the pre-feasibility survey of Phase–I has already been conducted by the Ministry of Railways and found technically feasible, and that the project was earlier recommended by the District Development Board in 2015. The proposed Phase–II is particularly significant as it will reduce the distance across the Shivaliks from nearly 80 km to about 30 km, involving only one tunnel of around 4.45 km near Balasundri Mata Mandir, and will boost tourism, economic activity and strategic connectivity by providing an alternate route to the Udhampur–Baramulla railway line.
Expressing confidence in the Union Government’s positive response, Shri Rajiv Jasrotia said that timely intervention and approval of these road and railway projects will bring immense relief to the public, strengthen regional connectivity, promote religious tourism and accelerate overall infrastructural development in Jasrota constituency. He strongly urged that Phase–I and Phase–II of the proposed railway project be taken up on priority, so that these historically, culturally and strategically important regions are connected to the national railway network at the earliest.
