To:
The Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways
Government of India, New Delhi

Subject: Public petition seeking double-laning of the Thathri–Kilhotran–Kahaljugasar road, formal notification of the Thathri–Gandoh road as a National Highway, and time-bound implementation of the proposed Bhalessa–Chamba road corridor.

Respected Sir,

We, the undersigned and the people of Bhalessa, District Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, respectfully submit this public petition seeking urgent intervention for the development of the region’s road infrastructure, which has remained inadequate for decades despite its strategic, economic and social importance.

1. Double-Laning of the Thathri–Kilhotran–Kahaljugasar Road

The Thathri–Kilhotran–Kahaljugasar road, serving the Bhalessa region, remains largely single-lane and suffers from poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure. Despite the commencement of work in the 1960s and subsequent development initiatives, the corridor continues to face persistent connectivity challenges.

We request the upgradation of this road to appropriate double-lane standards, wherever technically feasible, along with the construction of necessary bridges, retaining walls, drainage systems, slope-protection works and road-safety infrastructure.

2. Declaration of the Thathri–Gandoh Road as a National Highway

During his visit to Doda in 2022, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, announced the Thathri–Gandoh road’s proposed National Highway status. We request the Ministry to clarify the present status of this announcement, expedite the necessary approvals and issue the formal National Highway notification, if pending.

3. Extension of the Road Corridor Towards Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

The proposed Bhalessa–Chamba road corridor has significant potential to improve inter-state connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. An NHIDCL consultancy notice issued in 2018 reportedly envisaged a corridor from Thathri through Kilhotran and Kahaljugasar towards Makhan–Chachool in Chamba district, including a feasibility study for a tunnel near Kahaljugasar.

However, the project has yet to translate into the desired on-ground development. We request the Ministry to review the proposal, undertake or update the necessary feasibility and environmental studies, coordinate with the Government of Himachal Pradesh, and establish a time-bound implementation plan.

Our Prayer

We respectfully request the Ministry to:

1. Prioritise double-laning and comprehensive improvement of the existing Bhalessa road corridor (Thathri Kilhotran KahalJugasar).
2. Expedite the formal notification of the Thathri–Kilhotran--Kahaljugasar  road as a National Highway
3. Revive and advance the proposed Bhalessa–Chamba connectivity project, including the feasibility of the proposed tunnel.
4. Provide a clear project status, designated implementing agency and time-bound roadmap for these works.
   
   

Bhalessa deserves safe, reliable and modern road connectivity. The requested interventions would strengthen access to education, healthcare, employment, tourism, trade and essential services while improving connectivity between remote mountainous communities.

We therefore request your kind and urgent consideration of this public representation in the larger interest of the people of Bhalessa and the Chenab Valley.

Yours faithfully,

On behalf of the People of Bhalessa
Place: Bhalessa, District Doda, Jammu and Kashmir

Copy to:

1. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir.
2. The Hon’ble Member of Parliament representing the concerned constituency.
3. The Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly representing the concerned area.
4. The Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. The Administrative Secretary, Public Works Department, Jammu and Kashmir.
6. The Chief Engineer of the concerned road-owning authority.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Doda.
8. The Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
9. The Deputy Commissioner, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.