Union Minister Nitin Gadkari approves Rs 2,093.92 crore for infrastructure projects

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced a significant boost to the infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, approving an allocation of Rs 2,093.92 crore for widening highways and a ropeway project.

Widening of ssRafiabad – Kupwara – Chowkibal – Tangdhar – Chamkot Section
An outlay of Rs 1,404.94 crore has been sanctioned for the widening and strengthening of the Rafiabad – Kupwara – Chowkibal – Tangdhar – Chamkot section of National Highway-701 in Jammu and Kashmir. Under Project Beacon, this initiative, executed in Baramulla and Kupwara districts on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode, aims to transform the 51 km route into two lanes. The highway serves as a critical logistical route in the region, connecting Baramulla and Kupwara districts, and plays a pivotal role in the development of the tourism sector in North Kashmir near the International Border.

Ropeway Project from SDA Parking to Shankaracharya Temple
An allocation of Rs 126.58 crore has been approved for the development, operation, and maintenance of a 1.5 km ropeway from SDA Parking (Near Zabarwan Park) to Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar district. Operating on the Hybrid Annuity Model, utilizing monocable detachable gondola (MDG) technology with a capacity to transport 700 persons per hour per direction, this project offers a panoramic view of Srinagar city and Dal Lake. The ropeway provides a safe and convenient means of transportation, ensuring easy access for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens to visit the temple. It also reduces travel time from approximately 30 minutes to about 5 minutes and serves as an eco-friendly mode of transport, generating employment opportunities and contributing to the economic development of the region through enhanced tourism.

Upgradation and Strengthening of Nashri-Chenani Section
An allocation of Rs 562.40 crore has been approved for the upgradation and strengthening project of the Nashri-Chenani section of National Highway-244. Spanning 39.1 km in districts Udhampur and Ramban, this initiative, operating on the EPC mode under National Highway (O), aims to provide improved connectivity to Patnitop, a popular tourist destination in Jammu. The enhanced road infrastructure is expected to foster economic development in the region.