NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, I&T, S&T, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, met with Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi today to discuss the development of road infrastructure and transportation in J&K.
Satish Sharma expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Union government towards the development of the region. He updated the Union Minister on the current status of the road network in J&K, highlighting the need for improved road connectivity to enhance access to remote areas due to the mountainous terrain.
The Minister presented a memorandum outlining the need for construction and repair of various roads, highways, and bridges across J&K. He advocated for a dedicated corridor connecting Jammu Airport to Padamshri Padma Sachdev College for Women, a grade elevator for K C Theatre BC Road to Mandal, and an elevated corridor from Jewel Chowk Jammu to Canal Road, linking to the Akhnoor flyover.
Furthermore, Satish Sharma requested the construction of an elevated corridor from Akhara Maisuma Chowk to Dalgate Srinagar, an elevated route from Qamarwari to Srinagar city, and another corridor for Downtown Srinagar running parallel to existing routes through Soura-Nowhatta-Bohri Kadal-old city-Habba Kadal area. He also suggested a four-laning and elevated corridor on Boulevard road from Dalgate to Nishat area, and a second bridge over the Jhelum River with a viaduct connecting the existing Abdullah bridge at Rajbagh and Lal Mandi Road in Srinagar.
The Minister called for the development of underpasses for pedestrian safety and the implementation of a Mono-Rail system under Urban Transportation, as well as the creation of Integrated Transport Hubs to enhance multimodal connectivity in Jammu and Srinagar.
Satish Sharma emphasized the critical need for four-laning and upgradation of roads in border areas, especially the Akhnoor-Chhamb and Kupwara-Uri routes. He also sought increased allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to aid remote and border villages.
During the meeting, various additional concerns were raised, including the expedited completion of ongoing tunnel projects and the authorization of new tunnels in snowbound regions, financial assistance for electric buses alongside charging infrastructure under public transport modernization schemes, pilot projects that focus on smart public transport systems with real-time tracking and passenger information, as well as the installation of Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) Cameras on state and local roads. He also pushed for approval of ropeway projects to stimulate tourism and enhance connectivity in border and hilly areas, along with the expansion of current ropeway systems.
Satish Sharma requested financial backing for feasibility studies and project execution under the National Ropeway Development Program, as well as the strengthening of border area roads for both strategic and civilian use under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Additionally, he called for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Road and Transport Engineering in J&K for research and training, funding for the procurement and enhancement of government-owned public transport fleets, the creation of an Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) in Kashmir aligned with the existing IDTR in Jammu, and the establishment of government-funded Automatic Vehicle Fitness and Inspection Centres in various locations throughout J&K.
In response to the issues raised by the UT Minister, the Union Minister assured that all matters of significant public importance would be addressed promptly.
Nitin Gadkari stated that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat is not possible without the progress of J&K, which occupies a vital place in the national development agenda. He emphasized the central government’s commitment to establishing a robust road and highway infrastructure in the region and assured that the projects highlighted by Satish Sharma would be given consideration.
