Nitin Gadkari Highlights Infra Projects in J&K for Viksit Bharat

14 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Sonamarg tunnel, formerly known as the Z-Morh tunnel, now provides all-weather connectivity to the tourist town, overcoming challenges that left areas inaccessible for months during heavy snowfall. Gadkari also highlighted progress on the 14-km Zojila tunnel, which will connect Srinagar to Leh, cutting travel time by 3.5 hours. This project, costing Rs 68 billion, has saved Rs 50 billion from the originally estimated Rs 120 billion.

The minister announced several major infrastructure projects in J&K, including four key corridors costing Rs 500 billion.

1. Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar Corridor (Rs 160 billion): A 250-km stretch with 33 tunnels, reducing travel distance by 70 km and saving five hours. Completion is expected by December 2025.

2. Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag Corridor (Rs 140 billion): Spanning 202 km with five tunnels, this project will shorten distances by 68 km and is set to finish by December 2025.

3. Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri Corridor (Rs 100 billion): A 303-km route targeted for completion by 2027.

4. Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch Corridor (Rs 50 billion): A 203-km project currently in the DPR stage.

Additionally, a 250-km Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda corridor costing Rs 34 billion will provide direct connectivity from Kathua to Srinagar, bypassing Jammu.

The Srinagar ring road project, a 104-km four-lane highway costing Rs 72 billion, will be completed by the end of the year, allowing travelers to bypass Srinagar en route to Gurez, Baramulla, or Ladakh.

Gadkari also noted the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra greenfield expressway, a Rs 410 billion, 670-km project that will reduce travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to 8-8.5 hours upon completion in 1.5 years.

Further plans include five ropeway projects in J&K, such as the Shankaracharya ropeway in Srinagar and the Baltal-Amarnath and Sonamarg-Thajiwas ropeways.

Gadkari lauded engineers and contractors for their work in challenging conditions and reiterated the government’s commitment to bridging distances—both physical and emotional—between J&K and the rest of India.

(ET)

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the critical role of infrastructure development in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). Addressing a rally after the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, Gadkari stated that robust transport and communication systems are essential to boost industries, businesses, and tourism. The Sonamarg tunnel, formerly known as the Z-Morh tunnel, now provides all-weather connectivity to the tourist town, overcoming challenges that left areas inaccessible for months during heavy snowfall. Gadkari also highlighted progress on the 14-km Zojila tunnel, which will connect Srinagar to Leh, cutting travel time by 3.5 hours. This project, costing Rs 68 billion, has saved Rs 50 billion from the originally estimated Rs 120 billion. The minister announced several major infrastructure projects in J&K, including four key corridors costing Rs 500 billion. 1. Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar Corridor (Rs 160 billion): A 250-km stretch with 33 tunnels, reducing travel distance by 70 km and saving five hours. Completion is expected by December 2025. 2. Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag Corridor (Rs 140 billion): Spanning 202 km with five tunnels, this project will shorten distances by 68 km and is set to finish by December 2025. 3. Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri Corridor (Rs 100 billion): A 303-km route targeted for completion by 2027. 4. Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch Corridor (Rs 50 billion): A 203-km project currently in the DPR stage. Additionally, a 250-km Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda corridor costing Rs 34 billion will provide direct connectivity from Kathua to Srinagar, bypassing Jammu. The Srinagar ring road project, a 104-km four-lane highway costing Rs 72 billion, will be completed by the end of the year, allowing travelers to bypass Srinagar en route to Gurez, Baramulla, or Ladakh. Gadkari also noted the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra greenfield expressway, a Rs 410 billion, 670-km project that will reduce travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to 8-8.5 hours upon completion in 1.5 years. Further plans include five ropeway projects in J&K, such as the Shankaracharya ropeway in Srinagar and the Baltal-Amarnath and Sonamarg-Thajiwas ropeways. Gadkari lauded engineers and contractors for their work in challenging conditions and reiterated the government’s commitment to bridging distances—both physical and emotional—between J&K and the rest of India. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

08 Apr 2026

UniAcoustic, Vicoustic Form UniVicoustic Alliance

UniAcoustic, part of United Group, has acquired a strategic stake in Portugal-based Vicoustic, forming a new alliance branded as UniVicoustic. The agreement, signed in Mumbai, marks a significant cross-border partnership aligned with evolving India–EU trade dynamics.The collaboration brings together Vicoustic’s global expertise in architectural acoustic products with UniAcoustic’s manufacturing scale and distribution capabilities. The combined platform aims to expand market reach, integrate technology and optimise supply chains across key regions.The development comes amid progress in th..

Infrastructure Urban

08 Apr 2026

Dalmia Bharat, Delhi PWD Revamp Under-Flyover Spaces

Dalmia Bharat has partnered with the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Delhi, to redevelop select under-flyover spaces and a road stretch into sustainable urban hubs. The agreement covers key locations including Lodhi Flyover, Oberoi Flyover, Mangi Bridge and Hanuman Setu.Under the initiative, the company will undertake design, landscaping, plantation and long-term maintenance of the sites, with a defined upkeep period of three years after completion. The project aims to improve urban aesthetics while promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity restoration in high-densit..

Infrastructure Urban

08 Apr 2026

Versigent Debuts as Independent NYSE-Listed Company

Versigent has launched as an independent publicly traded company following its separation from Aptiv, with shares commencing trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “VGNT”. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s transition into a standalone global player in power distribution systems.The company specialises in the design, manufacturing and delivery of low- and high-voltage electrical architectures, supported by engineering centres across four continents and manufacturing operations in over 25 countries.Versigent reported revenues of $8.8 billion, net inco..