Road and tunnel projects worth about 18,000 crore are under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh.
Highway projects worth approximately 1.35 lakh crore, comprising completed, ongoing and upcoming works, are being implemented across Jammu & Kashmir
Government of India has contemplated an extensive plan to strengthen the connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh through extensive road-building projects and tunnels. Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari gave extensive details of these projects planned in the Union Territory of Ladakh and stated that road and tunnel projects worth about 18,000 crore are under implementation between Kargil and Leh-Ladakh.
Among the important initiatives is the Kargil–Zanskar–Padum highway project, which is improving access to the Zanskar region while strengthening strategic connectivity and facilitating Army movement.
To improve traffic management in Leh, South and North Bypass projects are being developed to provide seamless movement for vehicles travelling towards Srinagar, Manali and Khardung La without entering the city.
The proposed Fatu-La Twin-Tube Tunnel and Kela Pass Tunnel, which will improve all-weather connectivity and enhance access to key tourism destinations, including Pangong Lake.
It has also been disclosed that the tunnel projects are being planned at Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La along the Manali–Leh route.
It’s believed that these projects will substantially improve travel reliability, reduce journey time and strengthen year-round connectivity to Ladakh.
Highway Development Underway in J&K
The Government’s broader efforts to transform road infrastructure includes highway projects worth approximately Rs.1.35 lakh crore, comprising completed, ongoing and upcoming works, being implemented across Jammu & Kashmir to strengthen connectivity, improve logistics efficiency and accelerate socio-economic development.
In this regard, four major high-speed corridors are under development to strengthen connectivity across Jammu & Kashmir.
As disclosed by the Union minister Gadkari, the Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar corridor is nearing completion and will significantly reduce travel time through upgraded highway infrastructure and tunnel networks.
The Jammu–Chenani–Anantnag corridor will improve connectivity between the Chenab Valley districts and Kashmir Valley, while the Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri corridor will strengthen connectivity in North Kashmir and facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.
The Jammu–Akhnoor–Poonch corridor is also progressing rapidly and is expected to improve connectivity in border districts while providing substantial travel-time savings.
Strategic and Border Connectivity Initiatives
Government sources disclosed that several upcoming projects of strategic importance, including the Katra–Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad–Kupwara–Chowkibal–Tangdhar road project and the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri corridor.
These projects will improve access to border areas, facilitate tourism, support horticulture activities and strengthen strategic infrastructure.
A new corridor connecting Surankote, Bufliaz, Supen, Doodhpathri and Magam is also under planning to enhance connectivity between the Pir Panjal region and Kashmir Valley.
Improving Mobility Through Ring Roads
The Srinagar Ring Road project is being implemented in multiple phases to decongest the city and facilitate seamless movement towards Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Kargil and Leh. Connectivity to Srinagar Airport and the railway station is also being strengthened through dedicated spur links.
Similarly, the Jammu Ring Road project is being developed to reduce urban congestion and improve traffic circulation around the city. The proposed eastern section will further strengthen regional connectivity and provide a shorter route towards Katra.
Strengthening Regional Linkages
The Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Greenfield Expressway is being strengthened to faster and more efficient connectivity between Delhi and Katra while strengthening economic linkages across northern India and improving access to Jammu & Kashmir through a modern access-controlled corridor.
(TIMES LINK Editorial Desk/ Inputs From PIB)
