JAMMU: Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta has directed all executing agencies to ensure the completion of several road projects, particularly those which will ensure enhanced connectivity through highways, within stipulated timelines. He also directed the officials that maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety were very important aspects of this execution.
The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting held in Jammu on June 16 following his two-day inspection tour of major National Highway projects across the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir. His visit is being considered a follow-up visit as barely a week ago, Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari had visited the UT. Gadkari had visited J&K on June 9 to take part in breakthrough ceremony of Rs 6,800 crore Zojila Tunnel, considered vital for Ladakh.
During the visit, the Minister inspected several strategic road projects, including the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), the Qazigund-Banihal and Chenani-Nashri tunnels, the landslide-prone stretches between Ramban and Banihal, besides reviewing progress on the ongoing Jammu and Srinagar Ring Road projects. He also assessed the Chenani-Sudhmahadev road stretch and the proposed Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel project. This falls in the Lok Sabha constituency of Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS in PMO who has been pushing for better connectivity in hilly areas.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and
Ongoing Infrastructure Road Projects
Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Public Works Department (PWD) briefed the Minister on the status of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure project.
Emphasising strict adherence to timelines, Tamta instructed executing agencies and contractors to avoid delays and ensure that construction quality and safety norms are not compromised. He warned that negligence in maintaining safety standards during highway construction would invite stringent action. In August 2025, heavy rains had damaged several roads in J&K in several districts.
Due to concerted efforts of various agencies, and generous funding for reconstruction from the Central government, most of them have been repaired. However, the maintenance of road infrastructure in remote areas of Kisthwar and other districts remains a challenge. In Kishtwar, there were several deaths and damage to houses. Due to efforts of some private companies, philanthropic work of reconstruction of housing units has been taken up helping the victims.
Transformation of Transport Sector
Highlighting the transformation witnessed in J&K’s transport sector over the past decade, Tamta said the region has moved towards a modern and integrated road network. He noted that highway development, once constrained by difficult terrain and limited connectivity, has gained unprecedented momentum.
According to the Minister, projects worth nearly Rs 1.35 lakh crore have been undertaken in J&K since 2014. Of these, around 700 kilometres of highways valued at Rs 20,000 crore have been completed, while 2,300 kilometres worth Rs 50,000 crore are presently under construction. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for an additional 707 kilometres involving an estimated investment of Rs 65,000 crore are also being prepared.
Tamta reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir to boost economic growth, tourism, trade and public convenience, while ensuring safer and more reliable connectivity across the region.
