SRINAGAR: In a significant push towards transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure landscape, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on major projects being implemented by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), including Inter Modal Stations (IMS), Ropeway Projects, and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) across the Union Territory.
Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretaries of Tourism, Housing and Urban Development, Forests, PWD, Revenue, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, DC Srinagar, and the CEO NHLML, were among those present in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary laid strong emphasis on expediting the execution frameworks for these transformative projects, directing the concerned departments to coordinate closely with NHLML. He called upon the Public Works Department to initiate the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to steer ropeway infrastructure at major tourist destinations, especially the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar.
One of the flagship projects, the Inter Modal Station (IMS) at Katra, is being developed to cater to nearly 2.5 crore annual pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The IMS will include a modern transport hub with 88 bus bays, parking space for 500 vehicles, three helipads, and a ropeway station, alongside five hotel towers and commercial real estate built over multiple floors.
Progress on the Shankaracharya Temple Ropeway Project was also reviewed. The project, pegged at Rs 109 crore, will feature Mono-Cable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology, with a 1.05 km span, 15 cabins, and a capacity of 700 persons per hour per direction (PPHPD). The ride is expected to take about five minutes, with the construction period estimated at two years.
The NHLML is also advancing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for multiple ropeway corridors across the region, including Sonamarg–Thajiwas Glacier, Bhaderwah–Seojhdar, Baltal–Amarnath Cave, Doodpathri from Parihas to Diskhal, and Nasri Tunnel to Sanasar—underscoring a broader vision to integrate eco-tourism and transport.
Another key project discussed was the development of a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Vijaypur, to be built under the PPP-DBFOT model. The MMLP will feature an Inland Container Depot (ICD), Container Freight Station (CFS), warehousing units, cold storage, and truck terminals, aimed at streamlining trade and transport in the Jammu region.
In a separate session, Dulloo also chaired a review of the takeover of approach roads built by the Indian Railways for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). A total of 29 roads covering 201.46 km, built during the rail project’s construction phase in Reasi and Ramban, are being handed over to the J&K Public Works Department (PWD) for long-term maintenance.
The land acquisition for these roads has been largely completed, with no legal hurdles pending, officials informed. To formalise the transition, an MoU will be signed between Indian Railways and J&K PWD.
Calling these roads “critical for local connectivity,” the Chief Secretary urged all departments to expedite the handover process, ensuring their upkeep and seamless access for residents in the hilly districts.
With these strategic steps, Jammu and Kashmir appears set for a major infrastructure leap, enhancing pilgrim convenience, boosting tourism, and creating a modern logistics backbone to support trade and regional growth.
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