Highways, Tunnels & Economic Shift: Bhopal Media Delegation Reviews J&K’s Post-Article 370 Transformation
PIB Director Neha Jalali briefs visiting journalists on regional development, while NHAI confirms six new tunnels slated for completion next year and Zojila Tunnel targeted for operational readiness by December 2027.
A visiting delegation of ten senior journalists from Bhopal engaged in comprehensive briefings with regional authorities and embarked on an on-site review of major highway and engineering corridors across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, assessing the transformation in connectivity, healthcare, and local entrepreneurship post the abrogation of Article 370.
The media tour began at the Media Centre Building, where the delegation met with Director of PIB Jammu, Ms. Neha Jalali. She outlined the multi-sectoral growth reshaping Jammu and Kashmir, detailing systemic upgrades across the Union Territory’s transport networks, bridge infrastructure, and subterranean passages.
Ms. Jalali highlighted key institutional milestones, notably the operational growth of AIIMS Jammu in decentralizing advanced medical services. She also noted emerging rural economic drivers, emphasizing the Aroma Mission for spurring essential oil extraction, high-value agro-processing, and youth-led enterprises, while celebrating the Union Territory’s rich cultural tapestry, art forms, and culinary traditions.
Led by Shri Shariq Noor, Deputy Director of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhopal, the delegation visited the Regional Office of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Jammu before proceeding to examine critical civil engineering works on the ground.
Briefing the journalists, NHAI Project Director Rajiv Kumar described National Highway-44 (NH-44) as the region’s economic lifeline, confirming that four-laning of the crucial arterial corridor is in its final phase, with only approximately 15 kilometers remaining for full completion.
Key Strategic Connectivity Updates
- Delhi-Katra Expressway: Progressing rapidly to significantly bridge travel times between the National Capital Region, Jammu, and the holy shrine at Katra.
- Srinagar Corridor Shortened: Strategic integration of highway tunnels has already trimmed the Jammu-to-Srinagar road distance by around 45 km, reducing travel time by more than an hour from the earlier 300 km baseline.
- Zojila Tunnel Timeline: Scheduled for full operational commissioning by December 2027, ensuring dependable, all-weather vehicular connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
- Proposed Katra-Kulgam Highway: A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being drafted for this direct alignment, which will offer the shortest access route between Jammu and the Valley.
The visit gave the media contingent a firsthand perspective on how modern engineering interventions and large-scale public investments are overhauling the logistical landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
