Srinagar, Sep 2: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of Jammu & Kashmir’s massive infrastructure and connectivity programme, involving highways, tunnels, flyovers, bridges, viaducts and ring roads, and called for faster execution and removal of bottlenecks to ensure timely delivery of projects.
The review covered a portfolio of 87 connectivity works estimated at ₹1,19,736 crore, being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the Public Works (R&B) Department.
Of the total portfolio, 44 projects worth ₹39,711 crore are under execution, while 11 sanctioned projects involving ₹9,187 crore are awaiting commencement. Another 32 projects worth ₹70,839 crore are at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) or in-principle stage, creating a substantial pipeline for the next phase of infrastructure expansion.
Dulloo sought project-wise updates on physical progress and expected completion dates, stressing that these mega projects have the potential to transform travel, trade and access across the Union Territory.
He directed divisional and district administrations to maintain close coordination with executing agencies and proactively resolve land, forest, technical and other field-level issues that could delay construction.
The Chief Secretary also expressed concern over road conditions on stretches currently being used by commuters during construction. He directed agencies to ensure that existing road surfaces remain safe, motorable and free from avoidable deficiencies, particularly at locations contributing to traffic congestion and public inconvenience.
The meeting reviewed key NHAI projects, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Jammu Ring Road, Ramban-Banihal tunnel packages, Chenani-Patnitop connectivity and Srinagar Ring Road.
The five packages of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway under review cover around 142 km at a project cost of ₹11,546 crore. The Raya Morh-Samba-Kunjwani/Jammu Airport package has crossed 96 per cent physical progress, while the Hiranagar package has achieved more than 91 per cent.
The Srinagar Ring Road, comprising Phases I, II and IIA, spans around 78.8 km at a combined cost of ₹4,786 crore and is progressing according to revised schedules.
The meeting also reviewed the extensive Project Beacon and SAMPARK portfolio, with particular emphasis on strengthening all-weather connectivity to remote and strategically important areas.
Among the major projects discussed was the 141-km NH-501 Khanabal-Pahalgam-Chandanwari corridor, sanctioned at ₹4,030.57 crore. The alignment has been finalised up to the Pahalgam bypass, while environmental assessment and related formalities are underway.
The Chief Secretary was apprised of major tunnel projects sanctioned by BRO during 2025-26, including the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel on NH-701A and Sadhna Tunnel, together representing an investment of around ₹7,160 crore.
The proposed Machil, Gurez and Keran tunnels were also reviewed. These projects have received in-principle approval under the OTCA budget and are presently at the consultant-engagement stage.
Major NHIDCL projects, including the Zojila Tunnel, Khellani Tunnel, Khellani-Khanabal packages and Jammu-Akhnoor packages, were also assessed. The works have maintained positive momentum, recording an average quarterly physical progress gain of 2.18 per cent.
Urban connectivity projects under PWD (R&B), including the Parimpora-Shalteng Flyover, vehicle underpasses at Moominabad and Nowgam, and rehabilitation of the old Padshahi Bagh and Lasjan bridges, also came under review.
The meeting noted the completion of NH-144 road safety works along the 55.05-km Pir Panjal stretch, achieving 100 per cent physical progress against a sanctioned cost of ₹18 crore.
Dulloo directed agencies to accelerate DPR preparation, technical scrutiny, land-related requirements and statutory clearances for the 32 projects worth ₹70,839 crore currently at the DPR or in-principle stage.
NHAI alone accounts for projects worth ₹55,122 crore at the DPR stage.
The Chief Secretary stressed that the massive investment in connectivity should translate into faster, safer and more reliable movement of people and goods, while opening greater access to tourism destinations and economically important areas.
He called for sustained coordination among the UT administration, district authorities and executing agencies to ensure that J&K’s connectivity transformation remains firmly on schedule and delivers maximum public benefit.