Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in achieving ‘’Viksit Bharat’’, asserting that economic growth depends on robust transport and communication systems. Addressing a rally after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel, Gadkari stated, ‘’The Prime Minister has given us a goal to make India developed and prosperous. To achieve this vision, improving infrastructure is essential. It cannot flourish without advancements in transport, communication, power, water, industries, and tourism.’’
Gadkari underlined the government’s decision to transform Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) through infrastructure projects that will enhance tourism, eradicate poverty and generate jobs. On the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel formerly known as the Z-Morh tunnel, Gadkari called it a historic achievement. He stated that the tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity to the tourist hub.
Zojila Tunnel Project
The Union Minister shared details on the Zojila tunnel project, which will be Asia’s highest tunnel. Once the project is completed, the travel time will be reduced between Srinagar and Leh by 3.5 hours and will provide all-season connectivity. The Rs 6,800 crore project will be completed within budget and will save Rs 5,000 crore.
Gadkari also revealed the plans for four major road corridors in J&K worth Rs 50,000 crore. These corridors are- Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri, Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag, Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch and Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar. These projects once completed are anticipated to shorten travel times, boost connectivity, and uplift the economy.
Project details of the four corridors
Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch Corridor (203 km): This project will be constructed with a budget of Rs 5,000 crore. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under process.
Jammu-Chennai-Anantnag Corridor (202 km): The project has been allocated Rs 5,000 crore and its Detailed Project report (DPR) is underway.
Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri Corridor (303 km): This project has been granted a budget of Rs 10,000 crore and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar Corridor (250 km): This project will comprise 33 tunnels, out of which 15 are completed and nine more are anticipated to get over by December 2025.
Moreover, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway is expected to cut down travel time to Delhi-Srinagar to 8-8.5 hours. Ropeway projects in Sonamarg and Shankaracharya are under pipeline.
(With inputs from PTI)