Srinagar, Jun 23 : In a significant fillip to road connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of India has approved Mughal road and Karnah valley tunnel projects.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways today approved 19 projects, including Pir Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnel projects, at estimated costs of Rs 10637 crore.
According to a communiqué from the Ministry, a copy of which is in possession of news agency, the MORTH has approved construction of two tunnel projects, three flyovers, four bridges and 10 other works in J&K.
The two key projects sanctioned are 9-kilometre long Pir Ki Gali and 7-kilometer long Sadhna tunnels, involving a total cost of Rs 7160 crore.
While the Pir Ki Gali tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity along the Mughal Road—linking the Kashmir Valley with Pir Panjal—the Sadhna tunnel will provide uninterrupted road access to the strategically vital Karnah Valley, located near the Line of Control.
According to documents, the MoRTH will hold a meeting with the Ministry of Defence over these two projects.
The detailed project reports (DPRs) will be transferred immediately from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The flyover projects approved are four-lane Pantha chowk flyover(Rs 105 crore),4-lane Magam flyover on Narbal- Gulmarg section of National Highway- 701(Rs 445 crore) and four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora junction(Rs 700 crore).
The MoRTH has also approved construction/ improvement of Trehgam- Chamkot road involving a cost of Rs 966 crore.
LG expressed gratitude to PM, Gadkari
Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning of these projects.
“Extremely grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for giving approval to 19 mega road and tunnel projects for J&K UT worth Rs.10,637 Crore,” LG said, in a post on his official X handle.
He said major approved projects include construction of Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, Sadhana tunnel, Zaznar Shopian section of NH-701A, 4-L flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora, Trehgam Chamkote section of NH-701, 4-Lane Magam Flyover on Narbal-Gulmarg section & Qazigund Bypass & other projects.
He said many of these strategically important projects will improve logistical support and troops mobility.
“Projects will improve Infrastructure in UT & connect various tourist destinations. Construction of tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity & spur economic growth,” he posted.
My government got these projects approved: CM
In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his government has got road and tunnel projects worth Rs 10600 crore approved by the Centre.
“In a major achievement my government has got ₹10,600 crores worth of road & tunnel projects approved by the Union Government. I’m grateful to PM @narendramodi ji & Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari ji for their continued support as we try to steer J&K on a path of progress, development & connectivity,” he posted
