Er Rashid urges Centre to retain existing NH-701A alignment through Beerwah

Srinagar, Jun 13: Incarcerated Member of Parliament Er Rashid has urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to retain the existing alignment of the proposed NH-701A highway connecting Magam, Beerwah, Arizal and Doodhpathri, citing strong public support and concerns over land acquisition and displacement.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry, the Baramulla MP said he had received representations from local residents, civil society groups and trade bodies from the Beerwah constituency seeking retention of the existing road corridor while finalizing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the highway.
Rashid argued that the current alignment, maintained by the Border Roads Organisation under Project Beacon, already possesses substantial road width at several locations and could be upgraded into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders through limited widening.
According to the MP, retaining the existing route would minimize land acquisition, reduce displacement, lower project costs and ensure quicker execution of the highway project.
He also maintained that the alignment passing through Beerwah would generate direct economic benefits for local markets and strengthen connectivity to major tourism destinations such as Doodhpathri and Yousmarg.
The MP cautioned against bypassing the existing corridor, claiming that any alternative alignment could result in the acquisition of fertile agricultural land and orchards, increase project expenditure and deprive local communities of potential economic gains associated with the highway.
Seeking intervention from the Ministry, Rashid requested that the existing Magam–Beerwah–Arizal–Doodhpathri corridor be retained while finalizing the project, arguing that the route enjoys overwhelming public support and offers practical advantages for both residents and infrastructure planners.
The proposed NH-701A is considered an important road corridor linking central Kashmir with areas beyond the Pir Panjal region and is expected to play a significant role in tourism, trade and regional connectivity. [KNT]