Tourists, drivers call for improved amenities to enhance travel experience
Shopian: The historical Mughal Road, a vital 84-km route connecting the Poonch district with Shopian, continues to pose difficulties for passengers despite its designation as a national highway three years ago.
With increasing traffic each year, the lack of essential facilities along the road has become a significant concern for travellers.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Mughal Road has been witnessing a steady influx of tourists who head to attractions like Peer Ki Gali and Dubjan, as well as students commuting between the Pir Panchal area and Kashmir. However, many travellers have expressed frustrations over the absence of basic amenities, particularly network connectivity.
A truck driver said there is natural beauty along the road and they have been enjoying it but it lacks basic facilities, especially network connectivity. “We face the challenges of travelling without adequate roadside facilities. Though the journey feels heavenly, the lack of amenities makes it cumbersome,” he said, adding, “There are no washrooms, shops or eateries for kilometres, which inconveniences everyone.”
Students using the road for their commute said there are no repair facilities for vehicles. One student at Baba Gulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) said a vehicle breakdown on the Mughal Road could leave travellers stranded for hours, especially due to poor telecommunication services that hinder emergency calls.
In light of these issues, travellers are urging the government to address the lack of facilities to attract more tourists, which could also create employment opportunities for locals.
A stall owner at Peer Ki Gali said, “Improving these services will benefit both the local economy and the government.”
Meanwhile, an official said that plans are underway to enhance facilities along the road. Work on gender-specific and portable bio-toilets at Dubjan is already in progress, and additional amenities are being considered to ensure the comfort of visitors, he said.
“We are committed to making this an all-weather route with sufficient facilities,” the official said, adding that improvements are on the way to provide a better experience for travellers on the Mughal Road.
