Centre approves 19 road and tunnel projects to boost J&K connectivity

The Central Government has approved 19 major road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, including a transformative all-weather tunnel on the Mughal Road, aiming to boost regional connectivity, security, and economic growth.

The Central Government has approved 19 major road and tunnel projects in Jammu and Kashmir, totalling ₹10,637 crore. Among the most notable plans is a tunnel along the historic Mughal Road that will provide all-weather communication between Shopian in the Kashmir Valley and Poonch in Jammu. This long-awaited demand, once met, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and increase year-round accessibility in the region.

The projects, approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aim to improve connectivity in rural, hilly, and strategically critical locations. They are projected to play an important role in encouraging socioeconomic growth while also increasing trade, tourism, and mobility. The infrastructure upgrades are also expected to improve national security in border regions.

Several of these projects feature high-altitude tunnels and roadways, which will provide smooth transportation across regions that are frequently blocked off during the winter. The emphasis on tunnel building is especially significant since it will reduce the impact of snowfall and landslides while maintaining continuous civilian and military transit.

The administration has also stated that the approval of these projects will create local jobs, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for citizens throughout the Territory. This statement is consistent with the Centre’s overall commitment to modernising Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure landscape, expanding on past initiatives such as the Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels and improving important road routes throughout the state.