PM Modi Opens Sonamarg Tunnel, Announces Infrastructure Boost for J&K

14 Jan 2025 CW Team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, marking the beginning of transformative infrastructure development in the Union Territory. The new initiatives aim to boost tourism and significantly reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced timelines for over a dozen major projects, including highways, tunnels, and ropeways, collectively valued at approximately Rs 1 trillion.

Speaking at Sonamarg, Modi highlighted J&K's emergence as a hub for tunnels, high-bridges, and ropeways, with some of the world’s highest tunnels and rail-road bridges under construction. He also emphasised the Chenab Bridge as an engineering marvel, noting that a passenger train trial run was recently conducted.

Ropeway projects for key locations like Shankaracharya Temple, Shivkhori, and Baltal-Amarnath are set to enhance connectivity in the region. Modi revealed that over Rs 420 billion worth of projects are currently underway, including four national highways, two ring roads, and more than 14 tunnels, making J&K one of the most connected regions in the country.

Gadkari underscored the critical role of infrastructure in driving prosperity. He stated that industries, tourism, and business can only thrive with advancements in water, power, transport, and communication. He added that the government is prioritising infrastructure to spur growth and create jobs.

The 14-km Zojila tunnel, a centerpiece of this development, will reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh by over three hours and ensure all-season connectivity.

Additionally, the ring road projects in Jammu and Srinagar are expected to be completed within the next 18 months, further enhancing regional connectivity.

(ET)

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..