Srinagar: In a landmark decision regarding road connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of India has approved the Mughal road and Karnah valley tunnel projects, besides other roads and flyovers.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways today approved 19 projects, including the Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnel projects, at an estimated cost of Rs 10637 crore.
According to a communiqué from the Ministry, the MoRTH has approved construction of two tunnel projects, three flyovers, four bridges and 10 other works in J&K.
The two key projects sanctioned are 9-kilometre long Pir Ki Gali and 7-kilometer long Sadhna tunnels, involving a total cost of Rs 7160 crore.
While the Pir Ki Gali tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity along the Mughal Road—linking the Kashmir Valley with Pir Panjal—the Sadhna tunnel will provide uninterrupted road access to the strategically vital Karnah Valley, located near the Line of Control.
According to documents, the MoRTH will hold a meeting with the Ministry of Defence over these two projects.
The detailed project reports (DPRs) will be transferred immediately from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The flyover projects approved are four-lane Pantha chowk flyover(Rs 105 crore),4-lane Magam flyover on Narbal- Gulmarg section of National Highway- 701(Rs 445 crore) and four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora junction (Rs 700 crore).
The MoRTH has also approved construction/ improvement of Trehgam- Chamkot road involving a cost of Rs 966 crore.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving 19 mega road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10,637 crore for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Extremely grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for giving approval to 19 mega road and tunnel projects for J&K UT worth Rs.10,637 Crore,” said LG Manoj Sinha in a post on X.
The LG said the approved projects include the construction of Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, Sadhana tunnel, Zaznar-Shopian section of NH-701A, four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora, Trehgam Chamkote section of NH-701, four-lane Magam Flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section and Qazigund Bypass.
“Many strategically important projects will improve logistical support & troops mobility. Projects will improve Infrastructure in UT & connect various tourist destinations. Construction of tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity & spur economic growth,” he added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these road and tunnel projects.
The road transport and highways ministry has approved 19 mega road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10,637 crore for Jammu and Kashmir.
“In a major achievement, my government has got Rs 10,600 crore worth of road and tunnel projects approved by the Union government. I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi ji and MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for their continued support as we try to steer J-K on a path of progress, development and connectivity,” Abdullah posted on his personal X handle.
A similar message was posted on the official handle of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister.
Abdullah said that the Jammu and Kashmir government will work in close coordination with the road transport and highways ministry to ensure timely execution of these vital infrastructure projects.
