In a major infrastructural boost for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently announced a series of highway and connectivity projects across the valley and Ladakh. What caught everyone’s attention was Gadkari’s promise that travel between Srinagar and Jammu could be reduced to just three hours from next year. Here’s a look at the key projects and what they could mean for travellers in the region.
High-Speed Corridors In Jammu & Kashmir
Following the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that road and highway projects worth ₹2 lakh crore are currently underway across Jammu & Kashmir. Of this, nearly ₹60,000 crore has been allocated to high-speed corridors. According to Hindustan Times, road and tunnel projects worth around ₹18,000 crore are also being developed between Kargil and Leh.
Gadkari further revealed that the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar four-lane highway project, a crucial lifeline for the region, is nearing completion. Spanning 250 km and costing approximately ₹16,000 crore, the project is 95% complete and is expected to be ready by December 2027.
To tackle challenges such as landslides and difficult terrain, the corridor will feature 25 tunnels, of which 20 have already been completed. Once operational, the upgraded route is expected to shorten the distance by around 70 km. Gadkari added that travel time on the Srinagar-Jammu highway has already been reduced from nine hours to four hours, with further improvements expected once the remaining work is completed.
Also Read: New Ring Road Link To Gulmarg Highway Expected To Ease Travel Across Jammu
Srinagar To Jammu In Just 3 Hours!
While addressing the media, the union minister also stated that once the remaining tunnels are completed, the journey between Srinagar and Jammu could be reduced to just three hours. According to him, this target is expected to be achieved by next year.
Several other road projects are also being developed to improve connectivity across the region. The Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag corridor will provide better access between the Chenab Valley and the Kashmir Valley, while the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri corridor is expected to strengthen connectivity in north Kashmir and ease the movement of people and goods.
Furthermore, work on the Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch corridor is progressing rapidly and is expected to significantly reduce travel time in the border districts.
To further boost connectivity, Gadkari announced key projects including the Katra-Srinagar high-speed corridor, the Rafiabad-Kupwara-Chowkibal-Tangdhar road project, and the Srinagar-Sonmarg-Gumri corridor. These projects aim to improve access to remote and border areas, support tourism and horticulture, and strengthen the region’s overall infrastructure.
Also Read: Shumali Kashmir Tourism Portal Launched In North Kashmir; Here’s How It Can Help Travellers
Let us know your thoughts on these infra projects in the valley.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Bruno Coelho (representative image)
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How will the Jammu–Srinagar highway improve travel?
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that travel between Jammu and Srinagar could be reduced to just three hours once ongoing highway and tunnel projects are completed.
What is the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar four-lane project?
It is a major 250-km highway expansion project worth approximately ₹16,000 crore that is aimed at improving connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
What other road projects have been announced in Jammu and Kashmir?
Key projects include the Jammu–Chenani–Anantnag corridor, Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri corridor, Jammu–Akhnoor–Poonch corridor, Katra–Srinagar high-speed corridor, Rafiabad–Kupwara–Chowkibal–Tangdhar road project, and the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri corridor.