The Centre has undertaken a comprehensive review of highway projects covering nearly 7,800 kilometres across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Telangana, with a focus on accelerating construction, improving connectivity and resolving pending issues in key infrastructure projects. The review was chaired by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari as part of the government's ongoing push to strengthen the country's road network and improve regional connectivity.
According to officials, the projects include several strategically important roads and tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, regions that are crucial both for tourism and national security. The review covered ongoing works under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
In Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, special attention was given to major projects such as the Zoji La Tunnel and the Sonamarg Tunnel, both of which are expected to provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region and significantly reduce travel time. The projects are also considered vital for boosting tourism and ensuring uninterrupted movement of goods and defence logistics throughout the year.
Officials said the Centre reviewed land acquisition issues, utility shifting, forest clearances and construction timelines to ensure that the projects are completed within the stipulated deadlines. The government has repeatedly stressed that better road infrastructure in border regions will not only strengthen strategic preparedness but also improve economic opportunities for local communities.
The review also included major highway projects in Telangana, where the government is focusing on expanding national highway connectivity to support industrial growth, logistics and urban development. Several ongoing road-widening and greenfield corridor projects in the state were discussed during the meeting.
The Centre has been aggressively pushing infrastructure development in recent years, with highways and tunnels emerging as key components of its connectivity strategy. Officials said regular monitoring and review meetings are helping identify bottlenecks and speed up project execution.
With nearly 7,800 kilometres of projects under review, the latest exercise underscores the government's emphasis on building modern transport infrastructure, improving connectivity in remote and border areas, and supporting economic growth through better road networks.
