Avinash Azad
If the Union Government accepts the proposal submitted by the UT Government, the capital cities of Jammu and Kashmir could soon boast world-class road and flyover infrastructure.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, Science & Technology, and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to propose transformative road infrastructure projects aimed at elevating Jammu and Srinagar to cities with world-class connectivity.
During the meeting, held in the national capital, Sharma presented a detailed proposal advocating the development of elevated corridors, flyovers, and multimodal transport hubs for the twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir. The proposals, if approved, promise to revolutionize the region’s road network, boosting connectivity and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Key Proposals for Jammu
Sharma outlined several critical projects for Jammu city:
1. Dedicated Corridor: A road connecting Jammu Airport to Padamshri Padma Sachdev College for Women.
2. Grade Elevator: Connecting K.C. Theatre BC Road to Mandal.
3. Elevated Corridor: From Jewel Chowk to Canal Road Crossing, linking with the Akhnoor flyover.
Major Projects for Srinagar
Similarly, Sharma emphasized the need for advanced infrastructure in Srinagar, suggesting:
1. Elevated Corridors:
– From Akhara Maisuma Chowk to Dalgate.
– From Qamarwari to central Srinagar.
– A route parallel to existing roads, covering Soura, Nowhatta, Bohri Kadal, Old City, and Habba Kadal areas.
2. Boulevard Road Expansion: Four-laning from Dalgate to Nishat.
3. Second Jhelum Bridge: A viaduct connecting Abdullah Bridge Rajbagh to Lal Mandi Road.
Additional Demands
The Minister also proposed:
-Ten pedestrian underpasses and a Mono-Rail system under urban transportation plans.
-Integrated Transport Hubs for better multimodal connectivity in both capitals.
-Four-laning of border roads, particularly Akhnoor-Chhamb and Kupwara-Uri.
-Tunnel projects in snowbound areas, along with fast-tracking ongoing tunnel construction.
-Electric buses and charging stations under public transport modernization initiatives.
-Smart public transport systems, including real-time tracking and passenger information.
-Approval for ropeway projects to enhance tourism and connectivity in hilly and border regions.
Focus on Border Areas and Strategic Infrastructure
Sharma highlighted the importance of strengthening road infrastructure in border areas for strategic and civilian purposes under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. He also emphasized the need for a National Ropeway Development Program to promote connectivity in remote regions and financial support for ropeway feasibility studies and execution.
Centers of Excellence and Modern Facilities
The Minister proposed establishing a Center of Excellence in Road and Transport Engineering for research and training. Other requests included an Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) in Kashmir and government-funded Automatic Vehicle Fitness and Inspection Centres across J&K.
Nitin Gadkari’s Assurances
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, reiterating the central government’s commitment to robust infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, assured full consideration of the proposals. “The vision of a Viksit Bharat cannot be realized without J&K’s progress, as the region holds a unique place in India’s national development strategy,” Gadkari said. He affirmed the Centre’s resolve to prioritize the development of world-class roads and highways in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the Union Territory.
Hope for a Transformative Future
The proposed projects, if implemented, are expected to bring a paradigm shift to the transport and road infrastructure in Jammu and Srinagar. The residents of these cities could soon witness a transformation that aligns with the vision of modern and sustainable urban development.
