A major thrust
In a renewed effort to improve the infrastructural needs in Jammu and Kashmir, the centre has provided a huge impetus and a major Infra boost as 19 road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10,637 Crores were approved for the region.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the Action plan of 2025-26 in respect of National Highways of J&K and sanctioned major projects include construction of Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel on NH-701A (Rs 3830 Cr), Construction of Sadhana tunnel on NH-701 (Rs 3330 Cr), Construction of Zaznar Shopian section of NH-701A (Rs 852 Cr), 4-L flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora (Rs 700 Cr), Construction of Trehgam Chamkote section of NH-701 (Rs 966 Cr), Construction of 4-Lane Magam Flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section of NH 701-A (Rs 445 Cr), Construction of Qazigund Bypass (Rs 95 Cr), Construction of 2-L bridge over Rambiara at Shopian on NH-444 (Rs 71 Cr) and various others, including road safety projects.
The projects are for sure going to improve the connectivity in the region and also help mitigate the problems the areas where these projects are to be taken up, faced over the years.
Two main projects-the construction of Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel and Sadhna Tunnel, will help in making these two areas accessible for the entire year as otherwise the regions remain cut-off for most part of the winter bringing in numerous miseries to the people living here.
These strategically important projects will improve logistical support for the administration and the security set-up besides will help improve infrastructure and connect various tourist destinations that are falling in these regions.
Construction of the tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity and spur economic growth in these regions which otherwise has been lacking there.
The importance of the Mughal road becomes all the more important as many a times the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been facing some issues during winter months and this route then proves the only alternate available for commuters and transporters.
Similarly, the Sadhna Tunnel in north Kashmir will help the region to stay connected for the entire year with the rest of the Valley and such will not only bring relief to the locals, but will help in ensuring economic growth in the difficult terrain of Gurez region.
The projects undertaken in Srinagar city which include construction of flyovers and widening or major roads will not only help in easing the traffic stress the city is otherwise witnessing, but will also help in reducing the travel time quite considerably.
The sanction accorded to these projects has come at a time when people have been demanding such projects. Now the entire focus has shifted on ensuring a timeline for completion of these projects so that the development process that has kickstarted in the region gathers more and more pace.
