Gadkari On Inauguration Spree; Dedicates Major Highway Projects Across India
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has recently unveiled a series of infrastructure development projects across various regions of India. The infrastructure development projects are in Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttarakhand.
In Arunachal Pradesh, Gadkari sanctioned Rs. 6621.62 crore for the construction of eight packages on National Highway-913, also known as the Frontier Highway. This initiative spans a total length of 265.49 km and includes upgrading various sections such as Huri-Taliha, Bile-Migging, Kharsang-Maio-Gandhigram-Vijaynagar and Bomdila-Nafra-Lada. The development of these highway stretches aims to curb migration and facilitate reverse migration towards the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, it aims to establish essential road infrastructure connecting significant river basins, enabling the development of numerous hydropower projects within the state. Furthermore, the Frontier Highway is designed to link uninhabited and sparsely populated areas of Upper Arunachal, making it conducive to tourism.
In Jammu & Kashmir, an allocation of Rs. 224.44 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of the Shopian Bypass on National Highway-444. This development, spanning 8.925 km in the Shopian district, aims to transform the highway into a two-lane configuration with a paved shoulder, enhancing connectivity between Shopian, Pulwama and Kulgam districts. Particularly beneficial for apple growers in South Kashmir, known as the "Apple bowl of the valley," the project will facilitate transportation of produce to markets.
Moving to Andhra Pradesh, Minister Gadkari has approved Rs. 1346.81 crore for the expansion of National Highway-716, including upgrading the existing two-lane paved shoulder to a four-lane configuration from the Tamil Nadu/Andhra Pradesh border to Puttur. Additionally, the widening of the existing four-lane paved shoulder to a six-lane configuration from Mallavaram junction to Renigunta junction on NH-71 is set to take place in the districts of Chittor and Tirupati. This development aims to transform the specified stretch into a fully access-controlled corridor, linking the sacred cities of Tiruthani and Tirupathi.
In Karnataka, an allocation of Rs. 626.01 crore has been sanctioned for the completion of the four-laning of the Bellary Bypass, encompassing the Bellary to Byrapur Section of National Highway 150A across Bellary and Ananthpur districts. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Bellary town.
Lastly, in Uttarakhand, The Union Minister has sanctioned Rs. 494.45 crore for the upgradation of the Kashipur to Ramnagar section of National Highway 121 (New 309) in Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts. This project involves a four-lane configuration and rehabilitation of the specified section, aiming to improve connectivity to the Jim Corbett National Park.
