The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has sanctioned a significant allocation of funds for vital infrastructure projects in Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism in the region.

Gadkari has greenlit Rs. 1,404.94 crores for the widening and strengthening project of the Rafiabad – Kupwara – Chowkibal – Tangdhar – Chamkot section of National Highway-701. This project, executed under Project Beacon in Baramulla & Kupwara districts, will transform the 51-kilometre route into a two-lane road with paved shoulders, crucial for logistical operations and integral to the development of the tourism sector in North Kashmir.

Additionally, an allocation of Rs. 562.40 crores has been approved for the upgradation and strengthening project of the Nashri-Chenani section of National Highway-244, spanning 39.10 kilometres in districts Udhampur & Ramban. This initiative, operating under the EPC mode, is expected to enhance connectivity to the prominent tourist spot of Patnitop, fostering economic development in the region.

Furthermore, Gadkari has earmarked Rs. 126.58 crores for the development, operation, and maintenance of a ropeway from SDA Parking (near Zabarwan Park) to Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar district.

Spanning 1.05 kilometres, this project, operating on the Hybrid Annuity Mode, will utilize MonoCable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology with a capacity to transport 700 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD). The initiative is designed to offer a panoramic view of Srinagar city and Dal Lake, providing a safe and convenient transportation means.

Gadkari emphasized that the ropeway project would ensure easy access for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens to visit the temple, reducing travel time from approximately 30 minutes to about 5 minutes. Additionally, it will serve as an eco-friendly mode of transport, create employment opportunities for the local populace, and bring economic benefits to the region by enhancing tourism.

SRINAGAR — An allocation of Rs. 1170.16 crore has been sanctioned by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for 29 road projects in the Union Territory of Ladakh besides an additional grant of Rs. 181.71 crore for eight bridge works under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme.

As per the news agency CNS, Nitin Gadkari in a video post on X announced, “In the Union Territory of Ladakh, an allocation of Rs. 1170.16 crore has been sanctioned for 29 roads projects, encompassing State Highways, Major, and other District roads.”

Additionally, 181.71 crore has been allocated for eight bridge works under the CRIF scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24, reads the post.

The Union Minister said Ladakh, the largest Union Territory in terms of area and the second least populous in India, will witness improved connectivity to its remote villages through the approved initiatives.

He said this enhancement is expected to stimulate economic activities, particularly in agriculture and tourism, contributing to the overall infrastructural development of Ladakh.

SRINAGAR — The Union Transport Ministry has introduced fresh, easier rules to obtain a driving license without going through the painstaking process of driving test.

An amended rule by the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways came into effect on Thursday, allowing candidates to get a driving license without taking driving tests.

Driving license applicants will now be able to obtain the document in an easier way, without going through the tedious process via Assistant Regional Transport Offices (ARTOs).

The Transport ministry has notified the new rules for accrediting driver training centres where applicants will be provided with high-quality driving courses. If the candidates successfully pass the test at these centres, they will be exempted from appearing for driving tests at ARTO offices at the time of getting a license.

According to the Transport Ministry, the Accredited Driver Training Centres are equipped with simulators and a dedicated driving test track to provide high-quality training to candidates seeking a license.

The notification further reads that candidates will be trained in light motor vehicles (LMVs), medium and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).

The duration for training in LMVs is 29 hours, which will be completed in a time span of a maximum of four weeks from the date of the start of the course. Candidates will be given both theoretical and practical knowledge.

The duration for training in LMVs is 36 hours, which will be completed in a time span of six weeks. Training here will also be theoretical and practical, the ministry said.

Not just LMVs and HMVs, the centres will also provide industry-specific specialised training.