Jammu, Mar 3, KNT: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday underscored the rapid strides being made in Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure sector, highlighting key connectivity projects that are transforming the region. Addressing the Legislative Assembly, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating major road and rail projects to enhance accessibility and boost economic growth.
“Infrastructure development remains a crucial pillar of progress, and we are witnessing significant improvements in connectivity. The inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel (Z-Morh) by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the completion of key sections of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—including the Banihal Bypass and Ramban Bypass—have considerably reduced travel time and enhanced road safety,” LG Sinha said.
He stressed that efforts are underway to fast-track ongoing projects, such as expressways, national highways, and the Ring Roads for Jammu and Srinagar. The administration is streamlining land acquisition, forest clearances, and encroachment issues to ensure timely completion of these critical infrastructure initiatives.
To strengthen rural connectivity, he highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which is linking remote villages to urban centers with all-weather roads. “This initiative is bridging the rural-urban divide, providing better access to healthcare, education, and markets, thereby improving the quality of life and fostering economic growth in far-flung areas,” he stated.
One of the most transformative developments, LG Sinha noted, is the completion of the final segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. He described it as a “historic milestone” that will integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the nation, paving the way for enhanced trade, tourism, and overall development.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the government’s unwavering focus on infrastructure expansion, emphasizing that these projects will not only improve connectivity but also serve as a catalyst for economic progress and regional integration.
