‘Committed to advancement’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 13: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated today that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to foster the development of Jammu and Kashmir in conjunction with the nation’s growth, revealing plans by the Ministry to establish four essential corridors in J&K that will serve as lifelines for the region.
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“Our mission is to transform J&K into a developed and prosperous region, leading to the establishment of industries, an increase in tourism, creation of job opportunities for youth, and the alleviation of poverty. In line with this vision, we are upgrading the infrastructure in J&K,” said Gadkari, addressing a rally following Modi’s inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel.
The Minister highlighted that his Ministry is constructing four corridors in J&K with a total investment of Rs 50,000 crore, which will act as vital lifelines for the area.
The Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar corridor (NH-44) will span 250 km with an investment of Rs 16,000 crores. “We aim to complete this project by the end of the year. It will include 33 tunnels, with 15 already finished and 18 currently under construction. This project is expected to shorten travel distance by 70 km and save five hours in travel time; nine tunnels are set to be completed by December 2025,” he mentioned.
The second corridor is the Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag corridor, measuring 202 km and costing Rs 14,000 crore, which is expected to be completed by December 2025. “This project will also feature five tunnels, reducing distance by 68 km,” Gadkari noted. Click here to view the video
“The third corridor is the Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri route, covering 303 km and projected to cost Rs 10,000 crore, with completion anticipated by 2027,” said the Minister.
“Lastly, the Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch corridor, which is 203 km long and has a budget of Rs 5,000 crore, has commenced its DPR process,” he added.
Gadkari mentioned that the DPR process is also ongoing for another significant corridor – the Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda route, a four-lane project spanning 250 km, estimated at Rs 3,400 crore. “Once completed, people from Punjab can travel directly from Kathua to Srinagar without passing through Jammu,” the Minister stated.
Additionally, he highlighted that the Srinagar ring road is being constructed at a cost of Rs 7,200 crore. “This 104-km four-lane road is expected to be finished by the end of this year,” he declared.
“Following its completion, travelers heading to Gurez, Baramulla, or Ladakh will not need to enter Srinagar,” he added.
Gadkari also discussed the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra greenfield express highway, a 670 km project currently under construction with a budget of Rs 41,000 crore, which is slated for completion by the year’s end. “We are striving to dedicate this highway to the nation by the end of the year,” he emphasized.
“I assure you that this vision will soon become a reality, enabling travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to reduce to just 8-8.5 hours, with completion expected next year,” he continued.
The Minister also announced that five ropeway projects are underway in J&K, including the Shankaracharya ropeway in Srinagar, the Baltal-to-Amarnath cave shrine ropeway, and the Sonamarg-Thajiwas ropeway. “Construction will commence soon,” he said.
“Your (PM’s) focus on enhancing road and rail connectivity is crucial. The residents here have expressed that they never imagined having such an extensive road and rail network could be achieved under your leadership,” Gadkari commented.
Addressing the Z-Morh tunnel, the Minister acknowledged the Prime Minister’s directive to enhance J&K’s infrastructure.
“Today is a remarkable day, as the Prime Minister inaugurates the Sonamarg tunnel. Previously, the closure of this road due to heavy snowfall rendered certain areas inaccessible for five to six months each year,” he explained.
“Although construction began in 2012, several challenges arose. I am pleased to report that the project is now complete. The opening of this tunnel will establish crucial connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh along the Leh highway, a route that had been closed for five to six months each year,” said the Minister.
He added that work on the nearby Zojila tunnel is progressing and, once completed, it will reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh by 3.5 hours while keeping the road accessible year-round.
“The Zojila tunnel, which spans 14 km along with an 18 km approach road, has a budget of Rs 6,800 crore. We have successfully managed to keep the project cost below Rs 6,800 crore despite previous estimations reaching Rs 12,000 crore, saving around Rs 5,000 crore,” he noted.
“This tunnel will be the highest in Asia, ensuring all-season connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, which will significantly ease the travel experience for residents.”
Gadkari emphasized that developing infrastructure is crucial for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat since a nation’s economy heavily relies on quality transport and communication systems.
“The Prime Minister is committed to realizing a developed and prosperous India. To attain the goal of a Viksit Bharat, we must enhance the country’s infrastructure,” he stated.
“Unless there is an advancement in water, power, transport, and communication, sectors like industry, business, and tourism won’t flourish,” Gadkari concluded.
