New Delhi: The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has sanctioned a total of INR 2,094 crore for the widening and strengthening of various National Highway projects in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
In a recent announcement via social media, Gadkari highlighted the approval of INR 1,404.94 crore for the widening and strengthening project of the Rafiabad – Kupwara – Chowkibal – Tangdhar – Chamkot section of National Highway-701. Executed under Project Beacon in Baramulla & Kupwara districts on EPC Mode under Package I, this initiative aims to convert the 51 km route into a 2-lane road with Paved Shoulders.
The strategic route connecting Baramulla and Kupwara districts is crucial for logistics in the region and plays a pivotal role in the development of the tourism sector in North Kashmir near the International Border.
Gadkari further disclosed an allocation of INR 126.58 crore for the development, operation, and maintenance of a Ropeway from SDA Parking (Near Zabarwan Park) to Shankaracharya Temple. Spanning 1.05 km in Srinagar district, this project, operating on the Hybrid Annuity Model, utilizes MonoCable Detachable Gondola (MDG) Technology with a capacity to transport 700 persons per hour per direction (PPHPD).
The initiative is designed to offer a panoramic view of Srinagar city and Dal Lake, ensuring a safe and convenient means of transportation. Additionally, it reduces travel time from approximately 30 minutes to about 5 minutes, providing easy access for individuals with disabilities and for senior citizens.
Moreover, the project serves as an eco-friendly mode of transport, creating employment opportunities for the local people and bringing economic benefits to the region by boosting tourism.
The Minister said that an allocation of INR 562.40 crore has been approved for the upgradation and strengthening project of the Nashri-Chenani section of National Highway-244. Spanning 39.10 km in districts Udhampur & Ramban, this initiative operates on the EPC mode under National Highway (O). The enhancement of this route is poised to provide improved connectivity to the prominent tourist spot, Patnitop, thereby fostering the economic development of the region.
