New Delhi, Mar 27: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Thursday that road infrastructure projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to enhance connectivity in the region. Responding to questions in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari revealed that the government plans to convert 25,000 km of National Highways from two lanes to four lanes over the next two years.
He also provided an update on Asia’s longest tunnel, the Zojila Tunnel, located in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that around 70 percent of the work has already been completed. This project, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, is being built at a cost of over Rs 5,500 crore. The Zojila Tunnel will span more than 13 kilometers, with an additional 17 kilometers of approach roads, totaling over 30 kilometers in length.
In addition to the Zojila Tunnel, Gadkari highlighted the construction of 105 tunnels across Jammu and Kashmir to improve connectivity. Out of these, 22 tunnels have already been completed, while another 14 tunnels are being built by the Border Roads Organization.
Earlier in the session, Congress MP Manish Tewari moved an adjournment motion to discuss concerns regarding alleged aberrations in the higher judiciary. However, the Lok Sabha Chairman Om Birla rejected the motion, stating that opposition MPs had requested a discussion on “unusual activities” within the judiciary.
Tags: Northlines, Jammu and Kashmir
