Rajouri, May 27 -- A "historic" step toward progress has begun for the people of Darhal's upper mountain reaches, as the newly upgraded road from Darhal to Upper Simbli via Patathana and Hariban has been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), said an official statement.

The 6.2-kilometre blacktopped road is more than just asphalt--it represents the first-ever road connectivity to some of the most remote and elevated villages near the Pir Panjal mountain range.

The road directly connects 14 hill villages, including Nambal, Patathana, Hill Katera, Chaka Khet, Kandi, Takki, Kala, Phonta Wali, Jhanda Wali, Simbli Gali, Khila Doga, Mohrian, Hariban, and Dogian--many of which had never seen a vehicle before.

Until now,...