Reduced Travel Time Between Jammu and Srinagar to Five Hours: Nitin Gadkari
In a recent announcement, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed that the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar is set to reduce significantly. The InterModal Station (IMS) to be established in Katra will be a world-class state-of-the-art project constructed to improve the traveling experience of the pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Improved Connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar
Gadkari stated that three corridors worth Rs 35,000 crore are being constructed for the journey between Jammu and Srinagar. This construction will reduce the earlier distance of 320 km by 70 km, and travel time will be reduced from ten hours to four to five hours. With this development, commuters can expect a significantly improved traveling experience.
Developmental Works in Jammu and Kashmir
MoRTH has undertaken developmental works worth Rs 1,30,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014. The region has seen the completion of around 500 km of road networks to date. Additionally, the construction of 41 significant tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, costing Rs 45,000 crore, is underway. Furthermore, 18 ropeways worth Rs 5,000 crore are also set to be constructed.
Amarnath Marg Project
Nitin Gadkari also announced the construction of a 110-km-long Amarnath Marg leading to the holy Amarnath cave in Pahalgam. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 5,300 crore and is expected to provide convenience to the pilgrims visiting the Amarnath shrine.
Agri-Tech Startups
The Banihal-Ramban highway stretch is set to become the hub of lavender cultivation, which will give rise to agri-tech start-ups, according to Gadkari.
Road Network Development Across India
With the development of state-of-the-art road networks across the country, every state and union territory will be connected, and the dream of traveling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari will no longer be impossible for the people of India.
Conclusion
Nitin Gadkari’s announcement about the reduction in travel time between Jammu and Srinagar is a significant development. This project will provide much-needed convenience to commuters and improve connectivity between the two regions. The construction of the Amarnath Marg and lavender cultivation will also provide a boost to the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The development of state-of-the-art road networks across India is a step towards the country’s progress, and the government’s efforts to achieve this are commendable.