India, July 10 -- People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to retain the existing alignment for the National Highway NH-701 through the Beerwah town in Budgam district.

In her letter to Gadkari, Mehbooba said, "I wish to draw your kind attention to the representation submitted by a delegation comprising members of Beerwah Civil Society, Trade Federation, Transport Association, market associations, and other stakeholders, who have urged that NH-701A be developed by upgrading the existing road through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass."

She said Beerwah is the commercial and administrative hub of Central Kashmir, serving thousands of people from surrounding villages.

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