Construction to begin this FY
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 14: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari today sanctioned Rs 827.98 crore for constructing and upgrading a 12.11-kilometer four-lane highway in Ganderbal district, part of the Srinagar Ring Road project.
The highway which is part of Srinagar Ring Road is from Pandach and will connect with the Phase-II of the Srinagar Ring Road at Manigam near Wayil Bridge of Ganderbal district.
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In a post on X, Gadkari stated that the 12.11-kilometer project aims to enhance connectivity for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to Leh and Kargil. The project will include one major and three minor bridges, three realignments, 51 box culverts, and a 2.55-kilometer elevated stretch passing through Ganderbal town. “Part of Srinagar Ring Road (Phase-IIA), this highway will significantly improve connectivity for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to Leh and Kargil,” Gadkari wrote.
He added that the project will streamline access to key regions, bolster regional security, boost tourism and improve overall travel efficiency.
Project Director for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Ambrish Mankar told Excelsior that the tenders for the project will be opened on December 28, and construction will begin within this financial year. “The land acquisition process is already underway, and construction dates and deadlines will be announced accordingly,” he said.
Mankar also provided an update on the first phase of the Srinagar Ring Road Project, a four-lane highway encircling the city. He said 65 percent of the work has been completed, with the project expected to open by December 2025. “The project is now on track as all initial obstacles have been resolved. There are no funding or other issues, and we anticipate its completion by the deadline,” he said.
However, he noted that progress might slow during winter due to a reduced workforce. “Currently, only a quarter of the workforce remains on-site, as many have left for the season,” he added.
The Srinagar Ring Road project, part of the Prime Minister’s Development Project (PMDP) for Jammu and Kashmir, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
The 60.84-kilometer-long road is being constructed in two phases: Phase I covers a 42-kilometer section from Galander to Narbal, while Phase II spans 18.84 kilometers from Narbal to Ganderbal.
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