Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Progress on Major Highways and Tunnels Across Jammu and KashmirJammu, November 20, 2025 – Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to assess the status of key highway and road development projects spanning Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring their critical role in enhancing mobility, economic growth, and regional connectivity. Executed by agencies including Project Beacon, Project Sampark, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the Public Works (R&B) Department, these initiatives are pivotal for integrating remote areas and bolstering the union territory’s infrastructure backbone.The meeting, attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Secretary Transport, Engineer-in-Chief (Works), Regional Officer NHAI, Chief Engineers of Project Beacon and Project Sampark, and other senior officials, focused on accelerating timelines and resolving bottlenecks. Dulloo emphasized inter-departmental coordination to expedite project packages, remove impediments swiftly, and ensure accountability through regular monitoring.Key projects under review included:
Nashri–Chenani Road via Patnitop: Progress on widening and strengthening to improve all-weather access between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
Marog–Digdol Tunnel: Critical for seamless connectivity on the Ramban-Banihal stretch of NH-44, with directives for accelerated tunneling operations.
Digdol to Khuni Nallah Tunnel: A vital link enhancing safety and reducing travel time on mountainous terrains.
Makarkot to Sherbibi Tunnel: Part of the Udhampur-Ramban section, aimed at mitigating landslide risks and boosting freight movement.
Blacktopping of Banihal to Ramban Stretch: Special emphasis on completing surface works before the December end to prepare for winter traffic.
The Divisional Commissioner Jammu was tasked with close oversight of these initiatives, including fortnightly progress reports to track milestones and address delays.Dulloo also discussed emerging urban connectivity enhancements, such as the Parimpora–Shalteng Flyover, Old Padshahi Bagh Bridge, and Lal Chowk–Parimpora Flyover, alongside dozens of other projects designed to decongest major cities and support tourism and logistics. He reiterated that these developments align with the broader vision of sustainable infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti framework, promising to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a well-connected economic powerhouse.
“The timely execution of these highways and tunnels is non-negotiable for unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s potential,” Dulloo stated, directing agencies to prioritize eco-friendly practices and local employment in construction activities. Officials projected that these projects could reduce inter-regional travel times by up to 40% upon completion, fostering trade links with Ladakh and beyond.This review builds on earlier assessments, including January’s focus on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and Zojila Tunnel, signaling sustained governmental commitment to infrastructure resilience amid challenging Himalayan geography.For detailed updates, refer to official releases from the Jammu and Kashmir Information Department.
