Marking a significant development in upgrading the infrastructure of roads and connectivity in valley, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways NitinGadkari on Tuesday allocated Rs. 224.44 crore for the construction of the Shopian Bypass on National Highway-444, transforming it into a 2- lane configuration with a paved shoulder.
This development, spanning 8.925 Km in the Shopian, will be executed using the Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) mode.
In a post on X, Gadkari said this highway will link Shopian with Pulwama district on one side and Kulgam on the other within the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, the project holds strategic significance.
“It is poised to significantly benefit apple growers in south Kashmir, particularly in Shopian district, known as the “Apple bowl of the valley,” by facilitating swift transportation of produce to markets. The overall impact includes improved connectivity and heightened road safety measures”, he said.
Earlier on March 08, the minister allocated Rs. 1404.94 crore for the Widening and Strengthening project of the Rafiabad – Kupwara – Chowkibal – Tangdhar – Chamkot section of National Highway-701.
This initiative, executed under Project Beacon in Baramulla&Kupwara districts on EPC Mode under Package I, aims to transform the 51 Km route into 2-lanes with Paved, Shoulder. Apart from that, the Ministry also allocated Rs. 126.58 crore for the development, Operation, and Maintenance of a Ropeway from SDA Parking (Near Zabarwan Park) to Shankaracharya Temple.
The Minister said, an allocation of Rs. 562.40 crore has been approved for the Upgradation and Strengthening project of the Nashri- Chenani section of National Highway-244. Spanning 39.10 Km in districts Udhampur&Ramban, this initiative operates on the EPC mode under National Highway.
He said, with Patnitop being a prominent tourist spot, the road’s enhancement is poised to offer improved connectivity to Patnitop, thereby fostering the economic development of the region.
In November 2023, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, NitinGadkari had said that the Ministry had successfully completed the construction of the Ram Ban Viaduct, a remarkable feat spanning a length of 1.08 kilometers with 26 spans. The project, built at a cost of ₹328 crores, is situated on the Udhampur-Ramban section of National Highway-44.”
“This extraordinary viaduct is composed of 26 spans and employs a combination of concrete and steel girders in its structural design,” he said.
LG Sinha thanks PM Modi, Gadkari for Shopian Bypass approval
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister NarendraModi and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, NitinGadkari for sanctioning the Shopian Bypass for an amount of Rs. 224.44 Cr on NH-444.
The project spanning over 8.925 km will strengthen the connectivity in South Kashmir and facilitate swift transportation of apple produce to markets.
The Lt Governor tweeted: “Grateful to Hon’ble PM ShriNarendraModiJi&Hon’ble Minister for MoRTHShriNitinGadkariJi for sanctioning much needed Shopian Bypass for an amount of Rs. 224.44 Cr. It will improve connectivity to other districts & ease the transportation of apples from orchards to markets”.
