Srinagar, Jul 04 (KNO): The historic Mughal Road, the picturesque highway linking Shopian in south Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu division, is witnessing an unprecedented influx of tourists and commuters this summer. The growing popularity of the scenic route has, however, brought into sharp focus the glaring absence of basic infrastructure and public facilities, prompting locals, transporters and tourism stakeholders to demand immediate government intervention.
The 84-kilometre road, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, alpine meadows and historic significance, has emerged as one of Jammu and Kashmir's most sought-after tourist destinations. Every day, hundreds of vehicles carrying local tourists, families and adventure enthusiasts pass through iconic spots such as Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Aliabad Sarai.
However, while the number of visitors continues to increase, commuters say the infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the growing traffic.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that tourist arrivals on the Mughal Road have witnessed a significant rise over the past few months, particularly during weekends and holidays, as visitors from both Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region flock to the high-altitude destinations to escape the summer heat.
Despite being declared a National Highway nearly three years ago, travellers say the route continues to lack even the most basic facilities required for a safe and comfortable journey.
"The natural beauty is unmatched, but once you enter the road, you are virtually cut off from the outside world. There is no mobile network for long stretches, no emergency assistance, no public washrooms and very few places where families can stop and rest," said Shuby Jan, a tourist from Srinagar who recently visited Peer Ki Gali with her family.
Regular commuters said the absence of roadside services makes travelling on the highway particularly difficult in the event of mechanical failures or emergencies.
"The stretch between Hirpora and Peer Ki Gali is breathtaking, but if a vehicle develops a fault, there is no mechanic or recovery service nearby. Travellers are left stranded for hours," said Abdul Majid, a driver who frequently uses the route.
Local transporters highlighted the lack of food outlets and essential services across several sections of the road.
"There are stretches extending beyond 20 kilometres without a single shop, restaurant or tea stall. Tourists and commuters have no option but to carry everything with them. This discourages many people from choosing the route," said Fayaz Ahmed, a transporter from Rajouri.
Safety remains another major concern, especially in emergencies where communication becomes nearly impossible.
"In case of an accident or medical emergency, there is no mobile connectivity to contact emergency services. Families travelling with children, elderly people or patients remain highly vulnerable," said Tariq Lone, a regular commuter.
Women travellers, meanwhile, described the absence of sanitation facilities as one of the biggest challenges on the route.
"It is disappointing that such a famous tourist destination does not have proper public washrooms. For women, elderly people and children, the journey becomes extremely uncomfortable, particularly during long trips," said Yasir Ahmad a tourist from Pulwama.
Tourism stakeholders believe that the Mughal Road has enormous potential to become one of the Union Territory's premier tourist corridors if adequate infrastructure is developed.
"If the government establishes proper roadside facilities, food courts, rest areas, mobile connectivity and emergency response systems, tourist arrivals could increase several times. This would create employment opportunities for local youth, encourage investment and significantly boost the local economy," said Maqsood Khan, a hotelier from Poonch.
Residents and stakeholders from both sides of the Pir Panjal region have jointly appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to prioritise infrastructure development on the highway. They have demanded installation of mobile towers, emergency helpline booths, public toilets, fuel stations, vehicle repair facilities, designated parking spaces, resting shelters and regular road maintenance to make travel safer and more convenient.
They also urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and elected representatives from both Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region to take immediate steps to transform the Mughal Road into a well-equipped tourism corridor capable of meeting the needs of the growing number of visitors while ensuring safety, comfort and sustainable economic development—(KNO)