Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNO): The government has proposed widening and upgradation of the Zakura Crossing to Pandachowk road at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) 2026-27, the Legislative Assembly was informed.
The issue was raised by MLA Salman Ali Sagar through a starred question regarding severe traffic congestion and inconvenience being faced by the general public in Habba Kadal constituency, particularly on the Habak Chowk-Pandachowk via Zakura Crossing, Habak to Shalimar via Batapora/Shala Naseem and Mallabagh-Illahibagh road stretches.
In its reply, the Public Works (R&B) Department, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said adequate barricading and traffic personnel have been deployed at Habak Chowk and Zakura Crossing for effective traffic management.
The government said a comprehensive proposal for widening and upgradation of the Zakura Crossing-Pandachowk road at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore has been proposed under CRIF 2026-27.
Regarding the Habak-Shalimar via Batapora/Shala Naseem road, the department said no chronic traffic congestion has been reported on the local link roads. The road has already been upgraded through macadamisation and berm development under the CRIF scheme.
On the Mallabagh-Illahibagh road, the government said the corridor is an important link between Hazratbal and the 90-Feet Road and experiences heavy traffic during peak hours, particularly due to the presence of private schools in the adjoining areas.
Traffic personnel monitor the stretch through the concerned traffic points, it said.
The government further said land acquisition cases relating to 34 structures have been framed under the Bottleneck Removal Component, of which two structures have already been acquired. Against the funds of Rs 700 lakh received for removal of bottlenecks, Rs 20 lakh has been disbursed, while Rs 200 lakh is presently available with the Collector, Land Acquisition, PWD. Another Rs 480 lakh is pending re-validation.
The remaining structures will be taken up progressively, subject to availability/re-validation of funds and completion of requisite land acquisition formalities, the department said.
It added that necessary measures, including repairs/resurfacing, improvement of junctions, removal of encroachments, provision of road markings/signage and other traffic-management measures, are being undertaken wherever required to ensure safe and smooth movement of traffic.
Further, comprehensive proposals for widening/upgradation have been formulated and are at various stages of technical examination and approval. The estimated cost, land acquisition requirements and timelines for commencement and completion will be finalised after approval of the respective projects and subject to availability of requisite funds—(KNO)