Sangrama Fly Over Boosts Connectivity, Cuts Congestion On North Kashmir Routes

Srinagar: This week in a significant development for the commuters of north Kashmir, the much-anticipated Sangrama flyover on the Srinagar-Uri National Highway is now operational. This milestone infrastructure project promises to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that has plagued this crucial junction for years, offering a smoother and faster commute for thousands of daily travelers.
Traffic has been allowed on both sides of the flyover for the next 10-15 days as part of safety protocols following successful trial runs. This provisional phase will ensure the infrastructure’s readiness for an official inauguration while enabling the public to experience its transformative impact.The Sangrama junction, a vital link between Kupwara and Baramulla districts, has long been notorious for traffic snarls, particularly during the busy fruit harvest season. The flyover, a project under the Border Roads Organization’s (BRO) Project Beacon, was completed in just over a year at a cost of ₹29.77 crore. Construction began in June 2023, with the primary goal of addressing the severe traffic woes that plagued the junction. “Our team worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure the timely completion. Despite initial challenges, such as shifting utilities, we managed to finish the flyover on time,” said BRO official told Kashmir Horizon. BRO’s efficiency in delivering the project has drawn praise from various quarters. The flyover’s design streamlines traffic flow by directing vehicles headed to Baramulla onto the elevated roadway, while those bound for Sopore can use the side road.
The new flyover is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve safety, and enhance connectivity, especially for commercial vehicles like fruit-laden trucks. Tariq Maglu, President Traders Federation Baramulla told Kashmir Horizon that this junction is the lifeline connecting Kupwara and Baramulla districts. The opening of this flyover is an important milestone,” he said. During the peak fruit season, hundreds of trucks transporting apples from Sopore—home to one of Asia’s largest fruit markets—would often find themselves stuck in hours-long traffic jams, leading to delays in transporting perishable goods. “This is a dream come true. I am grateful to everyone, especially Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, for making this project possible. It has become our lifeline,” Maglu added. Another trader leader highlighted the broader implications of this development, emphasizing how students, businesses, and even emergency vehicles like ambulances were frequently caught in the congestion. “This is a critical development for the people and the business community of the district,” he added.
Irfan Hafeez Lone, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kreeri-Wagoora, also lauded the project as a much-needed solution to a long-standing problem. “The traffic volume at this junction had made it a death trap. Accidents were frequent, and commuters faced long delays. The completion of this flyover is a collective achievement,” Lone said. He noted that the flyover’s impact extends beyond convenience, addressing urgent safety concerns that had made the junction a perilous spot for motorists. “I hope the flyover will soon be officially dedicated to the public,” he added. The flyover’s operationalization marks a turning point for the region’s economy. Sopore’s bustling fruit market, a major hub for apple exports, often faced logistical challenges due to traffic bottlenecks at Sangrama. This new infrastructure is expected to facilitate smoother transportation of goods, reducing delays and enhancing market efficiency. Furthermore, the flyover’s strategic importance is underscored by its role in connecting Kupwara and Baramulla with the rest of the valley. Improved connectivity is likely to attract more economic activity, benefiting local businesses and creating new opportunities for growth. The opening of the flyover has been met with widespread appreciation from locals, who see it as a long-overdue development. Residents, commuters, and traders alike have expressed gratitude for the completion of the project. “This flyover has brought us immense relief. Earlier, we used to spend hours stuck in traffic, especially during peak hours. Now, the journey feels seamless,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a commuter who regularly travels between Sopore and Baramulla. For students and office-goers, the flyover promises to make daily commutes more predictable and less stressful. Parents have also welcomed the development, citing its potential to improve access to schools and reduce travel times for children. The initial phase of traffic trials is expected to yield valuable insights into the flyover’s performance and help address any remaining issues before its formal inauguration. Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution and follow traffic rules during this period to ensure smooth operations. As the flyover begins its journey toward becoming an integral part of the region’s infrastructure, stakeholders are hopeful that its success will set a precedent for similar projects across Jammu and Kashmir. With increasing traffic volumes and growing economic activity, the demand for robust and efficient transport infrastructure is more pressing than ever. The operationalization of the Sangrama flyover marks a pivotal moment for the region, addressing a critical bottleneck on the Srinagar-Uri National Highway. As it begins serving the people of north Kashmir, the flyover is already proving to be a game-changer, easing commutes, enhancing safety, and fostering economic growth.
While challenges remain, the success of this project underscores the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure. For residents and travelers alike, the Sangrama flyover represents a new chapter of progress, connectivity, and hope for a brighter future. The ambitious Srinagar-Baramulla four-lane project, a flagship initiative of the J&K administration, is making steady progress across its key segments, despite some delays in land acquisition and relocation efforts. Significant milestones include 70 percent completion of the Narbal-Pattan section, 85 percent for Tapper-Sangrama and Delina flyover. Spanning a total of 96.11 hectares, the project has seen ₹198.24 crore disbursed as compensation to affected beneficiaries, with 503 of the 637 structures identified for demolition already cleared. However, slow progress on the Pattan and Baramulla bypasses and the Baramulla-Uri double-lane highway has caused some concern, although authorities assure that the work remains on track to meet its timeline. Once completed, the Srinagar-Baramulla highway is expected to transform connectivity in the region, offering a seamless commute and boosting economic growth by enhancing trade and tourism. The widened roadways will alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve travel efficiency, especially for key segments like the Baramulla-Uri highway, which holds strategic and economic importance. Despite the challenges, the project underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritizing infrastructure development, promising long-term benefits for residents and travelers across Jammu and Kashmir.