Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 13, 2025. This 6.5 km tunnel enhances connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg, facilitating year-round access to Ladakh by bypassing landslide-prone areas. Constructed at a cost of `27 billion, the tunnel features a parallel 7.5-metre emergency escape passage and can accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles per hour. The project began in May 2015 and was completed in 2024. This infrastructure is expected to boost tourism and local economies by ensuring safer travel and improving access to the region’s scenic destinations.

Contact: National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited

Website: www.nhidcl.com

Tel: 011-26768950.

Rs.305 Million Allocated For Roads in Bhuj

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has sanctioned `305 million for the resurfacing and strengthening of seven roads in Bhuj, covering 14.1 km. This initiative aims to enhance urban transportation and improve amenities for both residents and tourists in Kutch. Additionally, Patel approved a Rs.7.78 billion (bn) project for constructing new major and minor bridges across 32 roads to bolster the road network. Over the past two years, the government has allocated Rs.20.64 bn for nearly 300 road infrastructure projects.

Dehradun-Delhi Expressway Prioritises Wildlife Protection

As the Dehradun-Delhi Expressway nears completion, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is implementing measures to protect wildlife along the route. The expressway traverses the Rajaji and Shivalik forest divisions, prompting NHAI to install specialised lighting to minimise disruption to local fauna. Based on recommendations from the Wildlife Institute of India, the lighting will feature a specific colour temperature to reduce insect attraction, thus preventing vehicle collisions with bats and birds.

Contact: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

Website: www.nhai.gov.in

Odisha Announces 260 km Grand Ring Road to Boost State Connectivity

Odisha’s Works Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, has announced a transformative 2,600 km Grand Ring Road project to enhance connectivity across the state. Valued at Rs.910 billion, this initiative aims to link key districts and improve travel efficiency. The road will connect Motu in Malkangiri to Tiring in Mayurbhanj, significantly reducing travel times. Additionally, a dedicated ring road around the mineral-rich areas of Keonjhar and Barbil will be constructed with an investment of Rs.22 billion.

Contact: Works Department, Government of Odisha

Website: works.odisha.gov.in

Tel: 0674- 2536668, 2322800

TN Govt Allocates Rs.8.04 Bllion to Boost 746 Rural Roads

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has allocated `8.04 billion for the construction and maintenance of 746 rural roads, spanning a total of 1,452.97 km across 37 districts. This initiative aims to improve connectivity for the rural population and bridge the urban-rural divide. Funded through the NABARD-Rural Infrastructure Development Fund for 2024-25, the project received a government order on January 13. Additionally, `580 million has been earmarked for maintenance over the next five years.’

Contact: Government of Tamil Nadu

Website: www.tn.gov.in