JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the historic Zojila Tunnel breakthrough ceremony in Minamarg, Dras, on Tuesday and made a series of major announcements for Jammu and Kashmir. He announced the construction of a new national highway to Srinagar via Katra-Reasi-Kulgam at a cost of Rs 12,000 crore. Upon completion, the Delhi-Srinagar Expressway will reduce the travel time from Delhi to Katra in just 11 hours.
Gadkari stated that the soon-to-be-completed Delhi-Katra Expressway will cover the distance from the capital to Katra in eight hours. The proposed Katra-Reasi-Kulgam highway will cover the distance from Katra to Srinagar in just three hours. Thus, the total travel time from Delhi to Srinagar will be 11 hours.
Projects worth ₹1.35 lakh crore
The Union Minister informed that highway projects worth approximately ₹1.35 lakh crore are currently underway or proposed in Jammu and Kashmir. This includes completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects. These projects aim to strengthen connectivity in the region, improve logistics efficiency, and accelerate socio-economic development.
Four Major High-Speed Corridors
Gadkari informed that four major high-speed corridors are being developed to strengthen connectivity. The Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar Corridor is almost ready and will significantly reduce travel time. The Jammu-Chenni-Anantnag Corridor will connect the Chenab Valley with the Kashmir Valley. The Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Corridor will facilitate mobility in North Kashmir, and the Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch Corridor will give a new identity to the border districts.
Tourism and Horticulture Will Also Benefit
The Union Minister also mentioned several upcoming projects of strategic importance, including the Katra-Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad-Kupwara-Chowkibal-Tangdhar Road Project, and the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Corridor. He said that these projects will improve access to border areas and significantly boost tourism and horticulture. The Surankote-Bafliaz-Doodhpathri-Magam Corridor is also being planned to connect the Pir Panjal region with the Kashmir Valley.
Ring Roads in Both Cities
Gadkari stated that ring road projects in both Srinagar and Jammu cities are progressing in phases. The Srinagar Ring Road will facilitate traffic towards Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Kargil, and Leh. Dedicated routes will also connect the Srinagar airport and railway station. The Jammu Ring Road will reduce urban congestion and provide a shorter route towards Katra.
New Expressway to Connect North India
The Union Minister stated that the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Greenfield Expressway will add a new dimension to economic ties in North India. This modern, access-controlled highway will further connect Jammu and Kashmir with the mainstream of the country.
