Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR Feb 6: Lal Chowk-Parimpora Flyover in Srinagar and Magam Flyover in central Kashmir’s Budgam district are among 19 new National Highway projects with an estimated cost of Rs 10,637 crore sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir for 2025-26, the Economic Survey 2025-26 states.
These projects also include major works such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel and Sadhna Tunnel, and are aimed at decongesting urban centres, improving mobility and strengthening all-weather connectivity across the Union Territory, according to the Economic Survey.
The Economic Survey says the development and upgradation of National Highways in Jammu and Kashmir is progressing steadily under various schemes, with a total investment of Rs 61,528 crore for the construction and upgrading of one expressway (Delhi-Amritsar-Katra), five national highways and two ring roads for Jammu and Srinagar cities.
As per the Economic Survey, work is underway on 11 tunnels, of which three – Chenani-Nashri (9 km), Qazigund-Banihal (8.45 km) and Sonamarg Tunnel (6.5 km) – have already been completed. The Economic Survey adds that the Zojila Tunnel, with a length of 13.15 km, has achieved about 59 per cent physical progress and is expected to be completed in 2027-28.
The Economic Survey further notes that the 58-km-long Jammu Semi Ring Road is nearing completion, except for tunnel works and approaches, and is targeted to be completed this year. It says the Srinagar-Banihal section of NH-1A has been opened to traffic, while the Banihal Bypass was completed in December 2024.
According to the Economic Survey, following the four-laning of NH-44, travel time between Srinagar and Jammu has reduced from 7-12 hours to about 4.5 hours. The Economic Survey adds that other key projects, including the Udhampur-Ramban Road and the Chenani-Sudh Mahadev-Goha Road, are also progressing.
The Economic Survey says the Khellani-Chatroo-Khanabal road, being executed by NHIDCL, is advancing across different packages. It adds that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, with 135 km falling within Jammu and Kashmir, and that once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra to around six hours.
The Economic Survey states that the Narbal-Shopian-Surankote road has been declared a National Highway, strengthening all-weather connectivity across the Pir Panjal region.
On ropeway connectivity, the Economic Survey says 18 ropeway projects have been proposed in Jammu and Kashmir under the National Ropeways Development Programme, with pre-feasibility studies completed for eight projects and studies for the remaining 10 underway.
According to the Economic Survey, the government has prioritised road safety by conducting safety audits of 698 roads over the past two years, installing crash barriers, parapets, protection walls and signages, and rectifying 545 identified black spots. It adds that a unified snow-clearance mechanism now covers about 35,872 km of roads, supported by more than 1,000 machines deployed across agencies.
In the rail sector, the Economic Survey highlights that the Kashmir Valley has been connected with the rest of the country through the railway network. It says a full-fledged Railway Division has been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir, while expansion and modernisation of Jammu Tawi Railway Station is underway at an estimated cost of Rs 485 crore.
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