NHIDCL accelerates infrastructure development in J&K with Rs 20,500 crore investments in highways and tunnels

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, is playing a pivotal role in transforming Jammu and Kashmir by building state-of-the-art infrastructure. With projects worth approximately Rs 20,500 crores underway, including three national highways, and 7 tunnels (4 under construction and 3 under DPR stage), the region is witnessing an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth, improved mobility, and enhanced strategic defence capabilities.

Key projects in the route connecting Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh like the Sonamarg Tunnel, Zoji-La Tunnel and others are set to connect one of India's most challenging terrains. These developments not only ease travel for residents and boost tourism but also fortify defence preparedness by ensuring seamless all year-round access to border areas. By strengthening infrastructure, NHIDCL is unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s economic potential, integrating it more effectively with the rest of the country, and reinforcing national security.

NHIDCL has completed 7 projects in the J&K, including the Sonamarg Tunnel (Formerly Z-Morh Tunnel) (Rs 2,378.76 crores). Ongoing projects like the Zoji-la Tunnel (Rs 6,808.69 crores), and Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khellani-Kishtwar-Vailoo-Khanabal on NH-244 promise to redefine mobility and accessibility in the region.

Alongside key NHIDCL’s key infrastructure developments in J&K region, the Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnels (Rs 3,876 crores) and the Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (Rs 5,025 crores) on NH-244 hold immense strategic significance. Unlike NH-44, which runs closer to the LoC, NH-244 provides a safer and more reliable route for the strategic movement of army personnel and convoys. The Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnels shorten the distance between Sudhmahadev and Khellani from 100 km to 32 km, enabling rapid military mobilization and logistic support. Developed under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), these tunnels will elevate border security, defence logistics, and disaster response, strengthening India's strategic preparedness in the region. The Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel, bypassing the snowbound Sinthan Pass, ensures all-weather connectivity, reducing travel time significantly.

NHIDCL's representative stated, "Our efforts in Jammu and Kashmir represents the application of advanced engineering and global expertise to address the unique challenges of high-altitude regions. Projects like the Sonamarg tunnel and Zoji-la tunnels leverage cutting-edge techniques such as incorporation of the New Austrian Tunnel engineering, ensuring structural stability and operational safety. These developments not only ensure seamless transportation across the region but also enable socio-economic upliftment by boosting trade, tourism, and improved access to essential services.”

The development of National Highways and tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a remarkable transformation over the years, with 258 Kilometers of highways constructed since 2014. The development of state-of-the-art infrastructure is strengthened by investments and initiatives under MoRTH through PWD, BRO, and NHAI, collectively driving progress in the region. With an investment of over Rs 10,192 crores in BRO and PWD projects, significant projects like the Akhnoor-Poonch road are enhancing accessibility and strategic mobility. NHAI's flagship initiatives, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, with an estimated cost of Rs 11,090 crores, are set to restructure connectivity by reducing travel time and fostering economic activities.