Tanveer Ahmad, Onlykashmir.in
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the approval of Rs 92.2093 crore for widening and strengthening of various national highway projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
The efforts mark a transformative journey toward growth and prosperity. With better connectivity and better access to essential services, the region is poised to unlock its true potential and emerge as a beacon of development in the heart of the Himalayas.
As roads pave the way for development, Jammu and Kashmir ushers in a new era of growth and inclusion, promising a bright future for generations to come. Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty is only enhanced by its rich cultural heritage. It is associated with heritage and historical importance. Yet, over the years, inadequate infrastructure has hampered the region’s development. However, recent developments in road development initiatives indicate a promising shift towards connectivity and development in the region.
The government’s proactive approach to infrastructure development is reflected in the completion of 1315 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) schemes, resulting in the construction of 8787 km of roads. Additionally, 206 schemes under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have been completed, further increasing access and connectivity in remote areas.
One of the notable ongoing projects is the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, which covers a distance of 135 km within Jammu and Kashmir. The expressway, once completed, will significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra to just six hours, opening new avenues for tourism and economic development.
Construction of semi-ring road in Jammu and semi-ring road in Baramulla, along with two-laning of Akhnoor-Poonch road, are major infrastructure developments that will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity within the region.
The focus on infrastructure development is not limited to roads. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the construction and upgradation of 294 major road and bridge projects at an estimated cost of Rs 24,315 crore. 163 projects have already been completed and an expenditure of Rs 2706 crore has been made, these initiatives are playing an important role in increasing connectivity and promoting economic prosperity.
Highlights of the ongoing projects include the construction of 21 tunnels, 39 flyovers, 26 bypasses, and 2 ring roads. These infrastructural marvels, which are currently under completion, are set to revolutionize transport in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating easy and speedy movement of goods and people across the region.
