Infrastructure development imperative to achieve Viksit Bharat goal: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the critical role of infrastructure development in achieving the vision of a developed India, highlighting the importance of transport and communication facilities. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel, he explained that improving infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) will stimulate industries, tourism, and employment, ultimately reducing poverty. He noted that the Sonamarg tunnel, which will ensure all-weather connectivity to the region, is a historic achievement and will significantly improve travel between Srinagar and Ladakh. He also highlighted the ongoing Zojila tunnel project, reducing travel time and providing year-round connectivity.

He further discussed various ambitious infrastructure projects in J&K, including four major corridors, at a total cost of Rs. 50,000 crore (US$ 5.77 billion). These projects, such as the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar and Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag corridors, will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost the region’s economic growth. He also mentioned the construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra express highway, which will cut down the travel time between Delhi and Srinagar, as well as the ongoing ropeway projects aimed at enhancing tourism. He commended the efforts of engineers and contractors for their work on the Sonamarg tunnel and assured that these initiatives will contribute to J&K’s development under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

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