The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ recent announcement of Rs 10,637 crore worth of infrastructure projects for Jammu and Kashmir signifies a historic investment in the region’s road and tunnel network. This is not merely a budgetary allocation – it is a well-defined move towards transforming the socio-economic fabric of the Union Territory. With an emphasis on enhancing regional connectivity, particularly in Kashmir, these projects signal the Centre’s continued focus under the Modi regime to establish enduring infrastructure in a previously terror-ravaged landscape. For decades, the narrative in Jammu and Kashmir was dominated by conflict and security concerns. Infrastructure development, especially road connectivity, remained a casualty of the political and security instability. It is only recently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that consistent attention has been directed toward building a modern, reliable transport network across the UT. This latest package of road and tunnel projects continues that trajectory – and the implications are substantial.
At the heart of the announcement is the Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, sanctioned at Rs 3,830 crore, which aims to make the Mughal Road an all-weather route. The Mughal Road, a vital alternative link connecting Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu to Shopian in Kashmir, has long remained inaccessible in winter due to heavy snowfall. This tunnel has the potential to revolutionise connectivity between the two regions – improving not only civilian access but also strategic movement and economic trade.
Similarly, the Sadhna tunnel on the Kupwara-Chowkibal route, with an allocation of Rs 3,330 crore, will open uninterrupted access to Karnah Valley, enhancing strategic mobility in areas close to the Line of Control. A series of other projects, including flyovers in Lal Chowk and Magam, highway upgrades, and bypasses in south and north Kashmir, will dramatically reduce travel time, improve safety, and promote tourism in hitherto difficult-to-reach destinations.
Yet, while the approved projects are commendable, a critical analysis reveals a regional imbalance. Except for the Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel and the Domail-Katra-Bamla upgrade, every sanctioned project lies in the Kashmir division. This geographic skew raises serious questions about the neglect of Jammu’s diverse and often inaccessible hill regions, many of which are strategically significant and have untapped tourism potential. Regions like Bani, Dudu-Basantgarh and Basohli, close to the Punjab border, have a natural beauty, cultural heritage, and climate to rival some of Kashmir’s famed tourist spots. However, poor road infrastructure remains the key impediment to their economic revival. Similar is the case of Doda and Kishtwar, where a good road network can transform the tourist potential of the twin districts.
The UT Government must draft a supplementary roadmap specifically for Jammu Division’s road infrastructure, addressing the unique needs of its mountainous terrain and border vulnerabilities. Local MLAs and administrative representatives must take proactive steps to push this agenda with the Centre, ensuring that infrastructure development is equitably distributed and aligned with the aspirations of both regions.
At the same time, the significance of the approved projects, particularly for Kashmir, cannot be overstated. These projects will undoubtedly unlock new economic corridors, enhance last-mile connectivity to tourist destinations, and provide alternative livelihood opportunities to local populations, many of whom have historically relied on agriculture or low-paying sectors. The Panjtarni tunnel project, with its direct linkage to the ShriAmarnathJi shrine, could radically alter pilgrimage logistics, enhancing safety and accessibility.
In the long term, a robust road network does more than just improve transport – it integrates regions, empowers communities, bolsters national security and drives economic development. However, to sustain this momentum, the vision must be inclusive. Jammu Division, with its own complex geography and aspirations, cannot be left to lag behind. Infrastructure parity between the two regions is not just a matter of equity but of strategic necessity. Though the approved projects are a welcome and bold leap toward Jammu and Kashmir’s development, the roads to peace, prosperity, and progress must run through every district, every valley, and every hilltop of Jammu and Kashmir – equally and equitably.
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