Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that an allocation of Rs 1404.94 crore has been approved for the widening and strengthening project of the Rafiabad–Kupwara–Chowkibal–Tangdhar–Chamkot section of National Highway-701 in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a series of posts on X, he wrote that the initiative, executed under Project Beacon in Baramulla and Kupwara districts on EPC Mode under Package I, aims to transform the 51-km route into 2-lanes with paved shoulder. Critical for logistics in the region, this strategic route connecting Baramulla and Kupwara district plays a pivotal role and is integral to the development of the tourism sector in North Kashmir near the Line of Control (LoC).

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Gadkari said an allocation of Rs 126.58 crore has been approved for the development, operation, and maintenance of a ropeway from SDA Parking (Near Zabarwan Park) to Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar.

He said this initiative, spanning 1.05 km, operates on the Hybrid Annuity Mode, utilising Mono Cable Detachable Gondola Technology with a capacity to transport 700 persons. This project is designed to offer a panoramic view of Srinagar city and Dal Lake, providing a safe and convenient transportation means. It ensures easy access for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens to visit the temple, reducing travel time from approximately 30 minutes to about 5 minutes. Additionally, it serves as an eco-friendly mode for transport, creates employment opportunities for the local populace, and brings economic benefits to the region by enhancing tourism, the minister added.

Gadkari further said that an allocation of Rs 562.40 crore has been approved for the upgradation and strengthening project of the Nashri-Chenani section of National Highway-44. Spanning 39.10 km in the Udhampur and Ramban districts, this initiative operates on the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode under National Highway (O).

He said the road’s enhancement will improve connectivity to Patnitop, a prominent tourist spot, and foster economic development in the region.