MoRTH approves ₹1,973-cr for highway widening in J&K

The Union transport ministry has approved ₹1,973 crore for widening works on the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway. As part of this, the ministry has immediately released Rs 992.43 crore to start construction work with paved shoulders on the two-lane Baramulla Greenfield Bypass on the highway. It has also released ₹980.21 crore for the Pattan Greenfield Bypass on Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri National Highway 01. These infrastructure developments will improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods in the region.

In addition, the union minister is scheduled to visit the Zojila tunnel being constructed on the Srinagar-Kargil National Highway to inspect the ongoing work. The tunnel is expected to be completed in 2026, but there are indications that it may be completed ahead of schedule. The tunnel will link the Union Territory of Ladakh by road for a full year, benefiting troops deployed in Eastern Ladakh and other areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan by ensuring uninterrupted movement and supplies.

Furthermore, the Union government has sanctioned another highway for Suchetgarh International Border from Vikram Chowk and Satwari, which is expected to boost border tourism. Additionally, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) has readied a detailed project report for the construction of a road project connecting the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji from Pahalgam-Panjtarni-SangamTop-Baltal. The project could be approved this year and completed in the next four to five years.