Member of Parliament from Jammu–Reasi Lok Sabha constituency, Jugal Kishore Sharma, today raised the demand for granting National Highway (NH) status to the crucial road stretch connecting Samba to Udhampur. He made the appeal during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.
Urging the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to intervene, Sharma stressed the urgent need to upgrade and widen the existing road into a four-lane corridor, citing its strategic and socio-economic significance.
Sharma informed the House that the Samba–Mansar–Udhampur road serves as a major inter-district link, carrying heavy daily traffic and facilitating movement for commuters, trade, transport and emergency services between the two districts. He said the current road capacity and condition are inadequate to handle the rapidly increasing traffic volume.
Describing the route as a lifeline for the region, the MP highlighted the rising number of accidents due to the poor condition of the road.
“The road from Samba to Udhampur passing through Mansar is a lifeline. Due to its pitiable condition, major accidents occur, causing loss of life and property. Considering its importance and heavy traffic flow, it must be declared a National Highway, and widening to four lanes must begin at the earliest,” Sharma said.
He urged MoRTH to approve the NH status, conduct necessary surveys and expedite the commencement of the four-lane construction project on priority.
