Centre sanctions ₹66,300-cr infra projects in J&K

The Centre has sanctioned projects worth ₹66,300 crore out of the ₹80,068 crore special package committed for the state of Jammu and Kashmir, said an official spokesperson, who informed that the major projects cleared by the Centre include construction of the Zojila tunnel connecting Srinagar with Leh at an estimated cost of ₹9,000 crore, Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch Road at an estimated cost of ₹5,100 crore, and tunnels at Lachulunga pass and Tanglang pass at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore. In totality, there are 63 projects in the package covering road, power, renewal energy, social infrastructure, water resources and tourism sectors, among others. 13 projects have already been completed, 44 are under implementation, and six very complex projects are under various stages of processing. The projects also include two AIIMS-like institutions at an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore, an IIT and an IIM at an estimated cost of ₹2,000 crore, Many other important projects such as Shahpurkandi and Ujh Dam Project for irrigation and Hydro power, Ratle Hydro power, Dal Lake Rejuvenation have also been sanctioned and are likely to be taken up on priority.