SONAMARG, Jan 13: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated on Monday that infrastructure development is essential to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat, as a strong economy relies on effective transport and communication systems.
“The Prime Minister has set forth a mission for a developed and prosperous India. Achieving a Viksit Bharat necessitates significant improvements in the nation’s infrastructure.
“Without advancements in water, power, transport, and communication, our industries, businesses, and tourism cannot flourish,” Gadkari emphasized while speaking at a rally following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel.
The Union Minister remarked that Modi had committed to fostering development in Jammu and Kashmir alongside the rest of the country.
“He has tasked us with enhancing this infrastructure. Well-built roads contribute to a country’s development and prosperity. We are dedicated to developing and uplifting J-K, ensuring that industries thrive here, tourism grows, job opportunities increase for the youth, and poverty is diminished. Our infrastructure development in J-K is driven by this vision,” he remarked.
Gadkari described the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel, formerly known as the Z-Morh tunnel, as a historic milestone that will allow for all-weather connectivity to the tourist destination.
“Today marks a significant occasion with the Prime Minister inaugurating the Sonamarg tunnel. Previously, heavy snowfall would close this road, isolating certain areas for up to five or six months annually.
“Construction began in 2012, but faced multiple challenges. I am pleased to announce that we have now completed the project. The opening of this tunnel will connect the Srinagar to Ladakh, Leh highway, which frequently faced closures for extended periods,” he explained.
He added that work is ongoing on the nearby Zojila tunnel, which, once operational, will cut travel time from Srinagar to Leh by 3.5 hours and ensure year-round road accessibility.
“The Zojila tunnel, spanning 14 km with an 18 km approach road, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 6,800 crore. When we initially floated the tender for this project for the fifth time, the government estimated the cost at Rs 12,000 crore. Yet, I am delighted to inform you (PM) that we are completing it for under Rs 6,800 crore, saving approximately Rs 5,000 crore,” the Minister noted.
“The Zojila tunnel is the highest tunnel in Asia, which will shorten the travel time between Srinagar and Leh by 3.5 hours, granting the people all-season connectivity that will ease their daily lives.”
Regarding other developmental initiatives in J-K, Gadkari announced that his ministry is constructing four corridors in the Union Territory at an investment of Rs 50,000 crore.
The Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar corridor, which is 250 km long, will be developed for Rs 16,000 crores, with efforts to complete it by the end of this year.
“This corridor will feature 33 tunnels, of which 15 are already completed, while work is underway on the remaining 18. This project will reduce the distance by 70 km and save about five hours in travel time. Nine tunnels are expected to be concluded by December 2025,” he stated.
The second corridor is the Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag, which spans 202 km and is being constructed at a cost of Rs 14,000 crore, set for completion by December 2025, according to the Minister.
He added that five tunnels in this corridor will diminish the distance by 68 km.
The third corridor is the Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri, a 303 km long construction costing Rs 10,000 crore, which is anticipated to be finished by 2027.
The fourth corridor is the Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch route, measuring 203 km at a project cost of Rs 5,000 crore, with the DPR process already initiated, he commented, reiterating that all these corridors will serve as vital lifelines for J-K.
He also unveiled the initiation of the DPR for another key corridor — Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda.
This will be a four-lane, 250 km project costing Rs 3,400 crore, allowing direct travel from Punjab to Srinagar without passing through Jammu once completed, the minister informed.
Additionally, he mentioned plans for the Srinagar ring road, which is to be constructed at a cost of Rs 7,200 crore.
This project, spanning 104 km as a four-lane road, is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, the Minister announced.
Once completed, individuals traveling to Gurez, Baramulla, or Ladakh will no longer need to enter Srinagar, Gadkari assured.
Reflecting on Modi’s vision of connecting Kashmir with Delhi and bridging distances, Gadkari noted that the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra greenfield express highway, a 670 km venture costing Rs 41,000 crore, is on track for completion by the year’s end.
“We are aiming to inaugurate this project by the end of the year,” he added.
“In response to your commitment to the people of J-K to shorten the gap between them and Delhi, I assure you that this dream will soon manifest, with travel from Delhi to Srinagar expected to take only 8-8.5 hours shortly, with completion anticipated in 1.5 years,” Gadkari remarked.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the government is implementing five ropeway projects in J-K, including the Shankaracharya ropeway in Srinagar, the Baltal to Amarnath cave shrine ropeway, and the Sonamarg-Thajiwas ropeway.
Work on these projects will commence soon, he stated.
“Your (PM’s) emphasis has been on enhancing road and rail connectivity. The locals have expressed that they never envisioned having such an extensive road and railway network, which has been achieved under your leadership,” Gadkari observed.
He also praised the engineers and contractors for their successful completion of the Sonamarg tunnel project despite facing numerous challenges.
“I extend my congratulations to the people of J-K for this achievement,” he added. (Agencies)
