Rs 1,500-crore 4-laning of Srinagar-Gumri road announced

Ganderbal, Jun 10: In a major infrastructure push aimed at improving connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, the 57-km Srinagar-Gumri stretch of National Highway-1 is set to be upgraded into a four-lane highway at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore.

The announcement was made on Tuesday following the breakthrough of the strategically significant Zojila Tunnel project. The four-laning project is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion on one of the region’s most crucial transport corridors.

Officials said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project is expected to be finalised by July, after which construction work will begin. The upgraded highway will complement the Zojila Tunnel and the 6.5-km Z-Morh Tunnel, creating a faster and more efficient all-weather route between Kashmir and Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering after the Zojila Tunnel breakthrough, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Srinagar-Gumri stretch plays a vital role in tourism, civilian movement and defence logistics. He noted that the widening project would significantly improve travel conditions and strengthen regional connectivity.

The four-lane highway is expected to reduce congestion, particularly during the annual AmarnathYatra and peak tourist season, when the existing two-lane road frequently witnesses long traffic jams. The project will also facilitate quicker movement of Army convoys and essential supplies towards Ladakh through the Zojila axis.

Officials said the road expansion forms part of the Centre’s broader strategy to strengthen transport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and ensure seamless connectivity to the strategically important Ladakh region.

Meanwhile, residents of Ganderbal, who regularly face traffic bottlenecks along the route, welcomed the announcement and expressed hope that work on the project would begin without delay. Locals said timely execution of the four-laning project would provide much-needed relief to commuters and improve overall travel efficiency in the area.