The Kashmir Pulse

NEW DELHI — Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced a significant allocation of Rs. 224.44 crore for the construction of the Shopian bypass in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a social media post, Gadkari revealed that the sanctioned funds will be utilized to transform National Highway-444 into a two-lane configuration with a paved shoulder, covering a stretch of 8.925 kilometres in the Shopian district.

The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the bypass, Gadkari emphasized its role in linking Shopian district with Pulwama and Kulgam within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

He underscored that the development will notably benefit apple growers in South Kashmir, particularly in Shopian district, renowned as the "Apple bowl of the valley," by facilitating efficient transportation of produce to markets.

The project's broader impact is expected to include enhanced connectivity and heightened road safety measures, contributing to the overall development of the region.

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.