Gadkari Takes Note of Delays in Delina–Kanispora Flyover, Pattan Projects After Er Rashid’s Intervention

Nitin Gadkari

Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Sunday said that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has taken note of the slow progress of work on the Delina–Kanispora flyover and the Pattan Market/Pattan Bypass projects.

He said the matter was formally raised by Baramulla Member of Parliament Er Rashid, following which the Union Minister responded in writing and assured action.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to Inam Un Nabi, Gadkari, in his reply to Er Rashid, stated: “I am in receipt of your letter… and I am having the matter looked into for action.” He said this response clearly shows that the concerns over delays in these important infrastructure projects have reached the highest level of the central government.

Inam Un Nabi said the slow pace of construction has been causing continuous problems for people, including daily commuters, traders, patients, and students. He pointed out that residents in and around Pattan are facing severe traffic congestion and growing safety risks on a daily basis.

“These projects are lifelines for North Kashmir. Delays on the ground directly mean hardship for ordinary people,” he said, adding that poor execution has affected both mobility and local economic activity.

The AIP spokesperson expressed hope that the assurance given by the Union Minister will now result in faster work and timely completion of the projects. He said the party will continue to keep a close watch on the situation.

Inam Un Nabi further said that AIP will pursue the issue until people in Pattan and nearby areas get real and visible relief on the ground, stressing that accountability and timely delivery of public projects are essential for public trust.

“Two Days in Delhi Gave Me Throat Infection”: Gadkari Shares Personal Experience Amid Severe Pollution

Nitin Gadkari

As Delhi chokes under toxic smog, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday acknowledged that the transport sector contributes significantly to pollution and stressed the urgent need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Gadkari said, “If there is any true nationalism today, it is reducing imports and increasing exports. But look at our situation. I stay in Delhi for two days and develop a throat infection. Delhi is troubled by pollution. I am the Road Transport Minister, and around 40 per cent of pollution is linked to our sector.”

He further questioned the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, noting that India spends nearly Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports. “What kind of nationalism is this? Fossil fuels are limited, and pollution is increasing. Can’t we reduce fossil fuel usage? Why can’t we promote electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which can lead to zero pollution?” he asked.

Gadkari’s remarks came as Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at a hazardous level of 413 at around 8 am on Tuesday, severely affecting visibility and public health. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality reached ‘severe’ levels in several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).

Major pollution hotspots included Anand Vihar (AQI 466), Ashok Vihar (444) and Chandni Chowk (425). Areas around India Gate, Kartavya Path and Rashtrapati Bhavan were also blanketed by toxic smog, with the AQI recorded at 384, categorised as ‘Very Poor’.

In response to the alarming pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all measures under GRAP Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR. As part of emergency steps, truck-mounted water sprinklers were deployed to suppress dust and curb particulate pollution.

The opposition has been demanding a discussion on pollution in Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the matter during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, demanding a structured debate on air pollution. Calling it a “national health emergency”, he urged the government to discuss concrete measures to tackle the crisis.

However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, accused the opposition of “stalling” the debate in Parliament on air pollution. Rijiju said the government was fully ready for the discussion, but the “Congress encouraged others to stage protests” in the Well of the House over the VB-G RAM G bill.