Rail, road and airport projects expand Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity
The rail link to the Valley, operational and planned tunnels, airport expansion and cargo terminals are strengthening transport links, with implications for tourism, trade and access to markets.
Rail, road and aviation projects are expanding Jammu and Kashmir’s transport network, improving passenger access and creating additional freight links for regional businesses.
NEW DELHI: Rail, road and aviation projects are expanding Jammu and Kashmir’s transport network, improving passenger access and creating additional freight links for regional businesses.
A PIB backgrounder released on October 17 outlined completed infrastructure alongside projects under construction or planned, including the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, Zojila Tunnel and Srinagar airport expansion.
The 272-km rail project, built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. Its structures include the Chenab railway arch bridge and Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge.
On roads, the operational Sonamarg Tunnel provides all-weather access to Sonamarg. The Zojila Tunnel remains under construction and is intended to strengthen year-round connectivity with Ladakh.
The approved ₹1,677-crore Srinagar airport expansion includes a terminal designed for 10 million passengers annually.
For freight, a Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal is operational in Samba, while three more locations have received in-principle approvals. These developments are intended to support goods movement and wider market access.
