SRINAGAR: 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 has been approved for constructing and upgrading a 12.11 km four-lane highway from Pandach to Manigam near Wayil Bridge. “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 wrote.
📢 Jammu & Kashmir
➡ In Jammu & Kashmir, we have sanctioned ₹827.98 crore for constructing and upgrading a 4-lane highway from Pandach to Manigam near Wayil Bridge, spanning 12.11 km.
➡ This project includes 1 major bridge, 3 minor bridges, 3 realignments, and 51 box culverts,…— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 14, 2024
Gadkari said that the highway would enhance connectivity for tourists and defence vehicles travelling to Leh and Kargil. He added that the project would streamline access to critical regions, foster regional security, boost tourism, and improve overall travel efficiency.
Quoting officials, KNO reported that the highway will help ease traffic in Ganderbal Town, especially during the peak tourism season and the annual Amarnath Yatra. “It will alleviate congestion during the Amarnath Yatra via Baltal and also benefit army convoys,” they said.
They further said that the highway would improve connectivity to Bandipora through Sumbal, as well as to popular tourist destinations like Sonmarg and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Local transport operators have expressed optimism about the project.
Mohammad Ashraf, a bus driver in Ganderbal, remarked, “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, commented, “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)
