Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the critical role of infrastructure development in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). Addressing a rally after the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, Gadkari stated that robust transport and communication systems are essential to boost industries, businesses, and tourism. 

The Sonamarg tunnel, formerly known as the Z-Morh tunnel, now provides all-weather connectivity to the tourist town, overcoming challenges that left areas inaccessible for months during heavy snowfall. Gadkari also highlighted progress on the 14-km Zojila tunnel, which will connect Srinagar to Leh, cutting travel time by 3.5 hours. This project, costing Rs 68 billion, has saved Rs 50 billion from the originally estimated Rs 120 billion. 

The minister announced several major infrastructure projects in J&K, including four key corridors costing Rs 500 billion. 

1. Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar Corridor (Rs 160 billion): A 250-km stretch with 33 tunnels, reducing travel distance by 70 km and saving five hours. Completion is expected by December 2025. 

2. Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag Corridor (Rs 140 billion): Spanning 202 km with five tunnels, this project will shorten distances by 68 km and is set to finish by December 2025. 

3. Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri Corridor (Rs 100 billion): A 303-km route targeted for completion by 2027. 

4. Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch Corridor (Rs 50 billion): A 203-km project currently in the DPR stage. 

Additionally, a 250-km Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda corridor costing Rs 34 billion will provide direct connectivity from Kathua to Srinagar, bypassing Jammu. 

The Srinagar ring road project, a 104-km four-lane highway costing Rs 72 billion, will be completed by the end of the year, allowing travelers to bypass Srinagar en route to Gurez, Baramulla, or Ladakh. 

Gadkari also noted the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra greenfield expressway, a Rs 410 billion, 670-km project that will reduce travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to 8-8.5 hours upon completion in 1.5 years. 

Further plans include five ropeway projects in J&K, such as the Shankaracharya ropeway in Srinagar and the Baltal-Amarnath and Sonamarg-Thajiwas ropeways. 

Gadkari lauded engineers and contractors for their work in challenging conditions and reiterated the government’s commitment to bridging distances—both physical and emotional—between J&K and the rest of India. 

(ET)