Major reform: Kashmir to witness completion of 5 massive developmental projects by 2026

Srinagar, July 24: The Kashmir Valley is set to witness significant economic development as five major projects are expected to be completed by 2026.
One such project is the four-laning of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway, which began in 2011 with a five-year deadline and an estimated budget of Rs. 28,000 crore. Authorities have now set a 2025 deadline for its completion, with around 80 percent of the work already done.

Similarly, the Jammu-Srinagar railway link, declared a “national project” in 2002 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, is expected to open this year.
Another important project is the construction of a tunnel on the Mughal Road, which connects South Kashmir with the Rajouri-Poonch area of Jammu district. Last year, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, stated that his ministry has taken up various projects, listing the Mughal Road project as a top priority.
“The construction of the tunnel would have made the Mughal Road an all-weather road,” an official of the Roads and Development Department said. “There has been undue delay in the construction of the tunnel, which would have enabled round-the-year connectivity on the historic Mughal Road.”
A fruit grower, Javeed Ahmad from South Kashmir’s Shopian, said that the opening of the Mughal Road brought new opportunities for business and cultural exchange between the two regions. “But this road remains closed during the winter months due to the non-construction of the tunnel,” he added.
Similarly, the foundation stone for the Zojila tunnel project was laid in 2018 with an expected cost of Rs. 4900 crore and a 2023 deadline. The construction agency has now set a 2026 deadline for its completion. The tunnel would provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh and foster economic and socio-cultural integration between J&K and Ladakh. During several winter months, the Ladakh-Kashmir road remains closed due to heavy snowfall at Zojila.
The Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is executing the project for the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), an undertaking of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Another major project is the development of a metro line in Kashmir. In Srinagar, a 25 km line will be developed at a cost of around Rs. 5500 crore and is expected to be completed by 2025. There will be 24 stations in total, with 12 stations on each corridor. The trains will have three coaches and will be able to carry up to 300 passengers.