SRINAGAR: The government, through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), has completed the construction of 6,912 Km of roads in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three years.
Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai shared this information in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, where he also highlighted the black-topping of an additional 19,096 km’s of roads during the last four years in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rai further detailed the progress made under various initiatives for the development of the region. “The daily average rate of macadamisation has increased from 8.57 km’s per day till 2019 to 15.75 km’s per day during 2023. In addition, 302 bridges have been constructed during the last four years, connecting previously unconnected habitations. Furthermore, 875 projects worth Rs 3,639 Crore have been sanctioned under NABARD,” Rai added.
Addressing the improved connectivity to the Kashmir valley, Rai mentioned the opening of six road tunnels on NH-44, including the 8.45 km’s twin tube tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal. This development has significantly reduced the average travel time from Jammu to Srinagar from 8-10 hours to 5-6 hours, leading to a decrease in logistical costs for goods and services to the valley.
Rai also provided an update on the ongoing projects under the National Highway Development Programme, which includes the upgrading of 5 expressways, ring roads for Jammu and Srinagar cities, 10 major and 11 other tunnels, 33 flyovers, and bypasses to 18 major towns.