Gadkari’s J&K Visit: Ensuring Smooth Amarnath Yatra, Boosting Connectivity on Agenda

Srinagar, June 16: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is set to chair a high-level meeting in Srinagar on Monday to review the progress of various developmental projects in Jammu & Kashmir. This visit marks Gadkari’s first official engagement in the region since assuming charge of the Road Transport and Highways Ministry after the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Among the key priorities for discussion is the preparedness of the Amarnath Yatra track and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, crucial for facilitating a smooth and safe pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine. The Yatra, scheduled to commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19 after 52 days, holds immense religious and logistical significance.

Gadkari’s agenda also includes reviewing the progress of strategically important projects, such as the Zojila tunnel, currently under construction in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Once operational, this tunnel will establish an all-weather road link between Ladakh and the rest of the country, ensuring year-round connectivity, which is currently disrupted during the winter months due to the closure of the highway.
The construction of the highway along the Amarnath Yatra track from both the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps is another priority project on the Central government’s list. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already undertaken widening, surface paving with blocks, and addressing curves and slopes along the track.
Ensuring the smooth maintenance of the Ramban-Banihal stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is also on the agenda, as this section plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of pilgrims into the Kashmir Valley.
With developmental projects worth more than Rs. 1 lakh crore underway in Jammu & Kashmir, Gadkari’s review meeting is expected to cover a comprehensive assessment of the progress and challenges faced in these initiatives.
The meeting will be attended by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and officials directly involved in the execution of these developmental projects, who will present detailed progress reports.
Gadkari’s visit underscores the Central government’s commitment to bolstering connectivity and infrastructure development in Jammu & Kashmir, with a particular emphasis on ensuring a smooth and safe Amarnath Yatra experience for pilgrims.