By EoK Correspondent
JAMMU, June 23: In a landmark move set to transform Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure landscape, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved 19 major road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore. Spanning a total length of 296 kilometers, these strategic initiatives promise to boost regional connectivity, economic development, and national security logistics in the Union Territory.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning the ambitious infrastructure plan under the National Highways Action Plan for 2025–26.
“These strategically important projects will significantly improve logistical support and troop mobility, besides strengthening the road infrastructure of the Union Territory,” said LG Sinha. “They will also connect various tourist destinations, reduce travel time through tunnels, ensure all-weather connectivity, and catalyze economic growth.”
Key Projects Approved:
The sanctioned projects include a mix of tunnels, flyovers, bypasses, and highway upgrades. Prominent among them are:
- Peer Ki Gali Tunnel on NH-701A — ₹3,830 crore
- Sadhna Tunnel on NH-701 — ₹3,330 crore
- Zaznar-Shopian Section of NH-701A — ₹852 crore
- Four-lane Flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora — ₹700 crore
- Trehgam–Chamkote Section of NH-701 — ₹966 crore
- Four-lane Magam Flyover on Narbal–Gulmarg section of NH-701A — ₹445 crore
- Qazigund Bypass — ₹95 crore
- Two-lane Bridge over Rambiara in Shopian (NH-444) — ₹71 crore
The package also includes several road safety initiatives across the UT.
In addition to the green-lit projects, the Ministry has also sanctioned the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and feasibility studies for further upgrades and constructions over the next three years. These include:
- Widening and upgradation of NH-444 from Srinagar to Qazigund (63 km)
- Construction of 2-lane with paved shoulders (2L+PS) road from Shopian to Magam on NH-701A (75 km)
- 10.8 km-long Panjtarni Tunnel including approach roads (total 31 km)
- Development of Domail–Katra–Bamla stretch of NH-144 to four-lane specifications (82 km)
The comprehensive development roadmap signals a significant leap in Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity blueprint, which experts say will not only enhance economic potential but also support strategic and defense-related transportation in the sensitive border region.