Jammu, June 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for approving 19 major road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore, spanning 296 kilometres across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned these projects as part of its Action Plan for 2025-26, focusing on the development of National Highways in the Union Territory. Key projects include the construction of the Peer Ki Gali tunnel on NH-701A (₹3,830 crore), the Sadhna tunnel on NH-701 (₹3,330 crore), the Zaznar-Shopian section of NH-701A (₹852 crore), and a four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora (₹700 crore). Other significant works include the Trehgam-Chamkote section of NH-701 (₹966 crore), the four-lane Magam flyover on the Narbal-Gulmarg section of NH-701A (₹445 crore), the Qazigund bypass (₹95 crore), and the construction of a two-lane bridge over Rambiara at Shopian on NH-444 (₹71 crore), alongside various road safety projects.
“Many strategically important projects will enhance logistical support and troop mobility. These initiatives will improve infrastructure across the Union Territory and connect several key tourist destinations. The construction of tunnels will reduce travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity, and spur economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the development as a milestone in J&K’s growth trajectory.
“In a major achievement, my government has got ₹10,600 crores worth of road & tunnel projects approved by the Union Government. I’m grateful to PM @narendramodi ji & Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari ji for their continued support as we try to steer J&K on a path of progress, development & connectivity, Omar said in a post on “X”.”
The Ministry has also approved the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and feasibility studies for several National Highway works planned over the next three years. These include the widening and upgradation of NH-444 from Srinagar to Qazigund (63 kilometres), construction of a two-lane-plus-paved-shoulder road from Shopian to Magam on NH-701A (75 kilometres), the 10.8-kilometre-long Panjtarni tunnel including approach roads (31 kilometres), and the development of the Domail-Katra-Bamla stretch of NH-144 to four-lane specifications (82 kilometres).
