An ancient alternative route to enter Kashmir which connects it with rest of the country but abandoned or virtually forgotten for various reasons is sought to be revived. This route passes through Pathankot, Jammu and Udhampur which the former Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to develop as a National Highway. However, a project in that connection is being pursued and researched in the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.
The said route originates from Una in Himachal Pradesh en-route to Chamba joining Bhadarwah in Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir and from Doda, the road goes to Srinagar via Ramban, Banihal and Anantnag. If this route is developed, cultural connect of the country with HP and J&K shall become possible. From Una to Srinagar it is a distance by road of 452 Kms as against from Jammu less than 300 kms. While there should be all encouragement given to the project to develop this alternate route, at the same time, however, one had to pass through the vulnerable Ramban-Banihal route in any way making the revived route too vulnerable to inclement weather conditions to cause usual hardships to the traffic for days together. However, the immediate advantage of this route up to Bhadarwah is starting a bus service from Una there to develop the area as a pilgrimage tourist destination as famous Vasuki Nag Temple is in Bhadarwah.
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