Centre sanctions Rs 827.98 crore for 4-lane highway project in J&K

Srinagar, Dec 14: The Central government has sanctioned a Rs 827.98 crore project to construct and upgrade a four-lane highway from Pandach to Manigam near Wayil Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
In a post on X, the minister said that Rs 827.98 crore for constructing and upgrading a 4-lane highway from Pandach to Manigam near Wayil Bridge, spanning 12.11 km has been approved. “The project includes a major bridge, three minor bridges, three realignments and 51 box culverts, alongside a 2.55 km elevated structure passing through Ganderbal Town,” he said.
Gadkari said the highway will enhance connectivity for tourists and defence vehicles travelling to Leh and Kargil, adding that the project streamlines access to vital regions, fostering regional security and boosting tourism while improving overall travel efficiency.
Officials said that the highway will help streamline traffic in Ganderbal Town, particularly during the peak tourism season and the annual Amarnath Yatra. “It will ease traffic congestion during the Amarnath Yatra via Baltal and will also be beneficial for army convoys,” they said.
They said the highway will enhance connectivity to Bandipora through Sumbal, as well as to popular tourist destinations like Sonmarg and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Local transport operators are optimistic about the project.
Mohammad Ashraf, a bus driver in Ganderbal, said, “The four-lane highway will make transportation much more efficient. It will reduce travel time, allowing us to cater to more passengers and improve our livelihood. This is a huge relief for the transport community.”
Farooq Ahmad, a hotel owner near the highway, said, “The improved road will not only make travel easier but will also bring more tourists, which is great for local businesses. This project is a significant step forward for Ganderbal.” (KNO)