Jammu and Kashmir has a huge tourism potential, which is one reason why development of infrastructure in the region will prove to be advantageous for economic growth of J&K. Infra development projects, such as the construction of roads and highways, would also facilitate easy transport of goods and services, and establish stronger links between different parts of this union territory. Infrastructural growth would create more employment opportunities in Kashmir, and thus help strengthen its economy. Infra development in J&K is of strategic importance, also for the easy movement of security forces, given the socio-political conditions in the region. The recent commencement of 25 NH projects in Jammu and Kashmir is a big step towards the infrastructural as well as economic development of this union territory.
On Wednesday, November 24, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for 25 National Highway Projects in J&K. The National Highways will span a length of 257 kms and the projects are worth INR 11,721 crore. The NH projects include the repair and upgrade of some sections and the building of viaduct and tunnels. As per a statement by the government, these highways are expected to improve the transport network in J&K and provide more employment, as also these roads would link all other main roads that lead to different district headquarters. The government believes that the highway projects would also aid in faster movement of defence forces.
The event of laying the foundation stone for 25 NH projects was organized at the Sports Stadium, Doda. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, and Dr. Jitendra Singh were among the renowned people who attended the function and also laid the foundation stones for the NH projects. At this event, Manoj Sinha secured the inclusion of 7 other road projects, 6 for Jammu and 1 for the Kashmir division. These infrastructural projects include a road from Kathua to Doda, the Himachal Road, a road from Dayalachak to Basohli, the Old Jammu-Sialkot Road, Mughal Road, a road from Atholi to Zanskar, and a 70 km road linking Narabal to Baramulla.
While laying the foundation stone for 25 NH Projects, Gadkari said that the construction of national highways in Jammu and Kashmir would boost the travel sector and generate employment for people. The new roads are expected to save time and fuel, and help in the social and economic development of the people in J&K. He further added that the travel industry would finally benefit from the road construction projects, and this infra development initiative would turn out to be an important lifeline for the development of the industrial sector in Kashmir. He added that J&K is the only part of India where tunnels worth INR 50,000 crore are being built, and that in the following 2 years, road projects worth INR 1 lac crore would be launched. He also stated that under the leadership of Prime Minster Modi, the central government is committed to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, the NH projects along with other road projects are expected to lead to sustainable development in the Kashmir Valley, which would improve tourism and business sectors in the region, create new sources of income for the locals, and improve the strategic grid. Sinha further added that the 25 NH projects would establish a link between the villages of Udhampur, Doda, Jammu, and Kathua, and thus provide impetus to numerous small and big businesses in these areas. He said that after the abolition of Article 370, the implementation of infrastructural projects has received a boost, and the progress of road construction has doubled. He believes that the new highways would help in the progress and prosperity of J&K.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, during his public address, said that the launch of 25 new National Highway projects in J&K, is a historic event for the Chenab region. He stated that the central government has a different road map for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and that many new roads, tunnels, and bridges are being built. He added that recent infra developments in Kashmir are being implemented as per the requirements of the people in order to ensure inclusive development of the union territory.
These NH projects would surely prove to be crucial for the development of infrastructure in J&K and accelerate industrial and economic development in Kashmir.
