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Jammu and Kashmir has inaugurated a vital new road link to the secluded Valley of Flowers in Doda district, representing a significant step forward for sustainable tourism and rural development. The 10-kilometre route from Padri to Bhal Padri, situated in the higher reaches of the Kailash range, now provides travellers with access to one of the Union Territory’s most picturesque alpine meadows. The initiative also fosters tribal outreach, enhances infrastructure, and opens up economic opportunities in an ecologically sensitive yet previously isolated landscape.
The road, which traverses the dense pine, birch, and fir forests of the Kailash range, is part of wider regional connectivity projects aimed at transforming tourism in tribal and border areas. Officials confirmed that blacktopping work is set to commence after the monsoon, while a further 7-kilometre stretch is under development to link Bhal Padri with Gandoh, another key location within Doda. The project is anticipated to generate employment, increase visitor numbers, and improve safety for travellers. To promote the region, a collaborative festival will be held at Bhal Padri on 20 July, organised by the J&K Tourism Department, Doda district administration, and local environmental and cultural organisations. Alongside cultural events, preparations are underway for infrastructure such as accommodation, restaurants, and cable cars to attract eco-tourists and skiers.
Meanwhile, the central government has approved a record sum of ₹4,224 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for the construction of 316 roads across Jammu and Kashmir, including 31 in Doda. This rural connectivity initiative aims to link 390 habitations in conflict-affected districts, improving access to healthcare, education, and local markets, while also supporting anti-insurgency efforts. Officials emphasise that improved connectivity to pristine destinations like Bhal Padri will provide sustainable alternatives to overburdened tourist hotspots, helping to conserve biodiversity and promote inclusive economic growth.
As tourism begins to pick up, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic that enhanced road access will redefine development across Jammu’s highlands. With Jammu and Kashmir positioning itself as a model for sustainable high-altitude tourism, the development at Bhal Padri signifies a vital convergence of environmental care, tribal inclusion, and regional progress.
Ultimately, while infrastructure forms the foundation, the long-term success of these initiatives will depend on maintaining ecological balance, community participation, and safeguarding cultural heritage. For Doda’s remote valleys, the road to prosperity has finally opened, but it must stay as green as the meadows it leads to.
