Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Friday reviewed the progress on various National Highway and tunnel projects being executed across J&K a few days after JK government got Rs 10,600 crore worth of road and tunnel projects approved by the Union government. It signals a decisive push toward transforming the UT’s infrastructure and connectivity landscape. The scale and ambition of the projects—from the Zojila Tunnel and Jammu Ring Road to the 4-lane flyovers in Srinagar and border region corridors—reflect a broader vision: to integrate J&K more deeply with the rest of India and unlock its vast economic and strategic potential.
With Rs 10,637 crore approved earlier this week for 19 new projects spanning nearly 300 km, the UT is witnessing an unprecedented infrastructure boom. These projects are not merely about tarmac and tunnels—they are the arteries of economic growth, social mobility, and national security. Whether it’s the Peer Ki Gali and Sadhna tunnels enabling all-weather access or the Akhnoor-Poonch highway enhancing troop mobility and trade routes, each project plays a strategic role in reshaping the region’s development narrative.
The Chief Secretary’s directive to ensure timely resolution of land acquisition and mining issues, while urging the deployment of adequate machinery and manpower, is a much-needed push to keep momentum intact. Too often, bureaucratic hurdles delay transformative infrastructure. Kashmir has a limited working season. During this period works should be completed while odd cold days can be spared for office works.
Moreover, the synergy between multiple executing agencies—NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, and PWD—is critical. With over 63% of the Zojila Tunnel already completed, and key works like Srinagar Ring Road Phase-I nearing 72% completion, the pace is promising. Yet, timely completion requires constant ground monitoring, coordination, and transparency.
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, this is more than concrete—it is connectivity, employment, tourism, accessibility, and hope. Better roads and tunnels will mean faster movement, shorter travel times, safer journeys, and improved access to education, healthcare, and markets—especially in remote districts.
As the Union and UT governments invest unprecedented resources into J&K’s development, the focus now must be on delivery and impact. These roads and tunnels must not only meet construction deadlines but also transform lives and livelihoods. That will be the true measure of success.