Jammu and Kashmir to get Rs 11,721 cr for road infra

On Wednesday, Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation stones for 25 national highway projects worth Rs 11,721 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, boosting the state's road infrastructure.

According to officials, three major highways in Jammu and Kashmir are being upgraded, which will provide relief to the local population due to improved connectivity.

An alternate axis to Kashmir from Chennai (Udhampur) to Anantnag via Sinthan Top along the NH-244 is one of the major projects for which the Minister will lay the groundwork.

The highway begins in Chenani and connects Sudh Mahadev, Goha, Khaleni, Kishtwar, Sinthan pass, and Khanabal in Anantnag before terminating at its junction with NH-44 near Khanabal.

This project is part of a new axis connecting Kashmir Valley to Chenab Valley. Officials said that the alternate connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the Jammu provinces via Sinthan Top will provide a huge relief to the local population in the districts of Doda and Kishtwar.

The realigned sections of NH-44 along the Jammu Srinagar highway from Ramban to Banihal will be the other project for which the foundation will be laid.

The stretch is currently one of the highway's most problematic areas. Along this stretch of NH44, the project will also include the construction of a four-lane twin-tube tunnel from Marog to Digdol, as well as another four-lane twin-tube tunnel from Digdol to Khuni Nallah.

Border Road Organisation's Project Sampark is also starting work on the NH144A section between Akhnoor and Poonch in seven packages. The road is being upgraded to NH double-lane specifications, which includes tunnel construction. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) is currently constructing a four-lane highway between Jammu and Akhnoor.

The projects will help the people of the Poonch and Rajouri districts with their transportation problems.

On Wednesday at 3 pm, Gadkari will lay the foundation stones for 25 National Highway projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

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