SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said it has approved 19 new National Highway projects for 2025–26 at an estimated cost of Rs 10,637 crore to boost road connectivity and reduce traffic congestion across the Union Territory.
The sanctioned projects include key infrastructure works such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, Sadhna Tunnel, Lal Chowk–Parimpora flyover and the Magam flyover, aimed at improving mobility and easing congestion in major urban areas.
Providing details of rural road expansion, the government said that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), as many as 2,132 habitations were connected through 19,518 kilometres of roads during 2024–25, enhancing all-weather connectivity in rural areas.
It said another 2,500 unconnected habitations have been approved under Phase IV of PMGSY. Under Phase I, 316 road projects spanning 1,781 kilometres, with a sanctioned cost of Rs 4,224.37 crore, have been cleared by the Government of India and are expected to connect 429 habitations.
The government said these initiatives are intended to ensure road access to every village in the Union Territory.
Under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), 83 projects have been completed since 2020–21 at a cost of Rs 1,376 crore, including 22 projects completed during 2024–25. It further said that 2,387 kilometres of roads were completed under NABARD-funded projects between 2020–21 and 2024–25 to strengthen rural connectivity.
The government added that 320 bridges have been completed since 2020–21, improving access across rivers and difficult terrain. To maintain winter connectivity, around 1,000 snow-clearance machines have been deployed across various agencies, the government said.
It also said that Kashmir has been linked with the rest of the country through rail connectivity, ushering in a new phase of development, economic growth and regional integration.kashmir Life