Why in news:

• Recently, four National Highway projects worth Rs 3,612 crore were launched in the Union Territory, including the commencement of the Srinagar Ring road project.
• :The four new National Highway projects include
  • Strengthening and upgradation of 43 km existing carriageway on Baramulla-Gulmarg section of NH701A,
  • Construction of new double lane bypass from Donipawa via Ashajipora connecting NH-244 & NH-44
  • Construction and upgradation of existing 28 km stretch from Vailoo to Donipawa on Khellani Khanabal section of NH-244
  •  The construction of much-awaited Ring Road around Srinagar city.
     

Key Points:

• Road connectivity as a key driver of the socio-economic growth and development of any region.
• The new projects will strengthen road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, opening up new livelihood opportunities for the people.
• It will also enhance tourism and business activities and overall, improve the quality of life of the people.
• Mega Highway road and tunnel projects will reduce the travel time from Delhi to Kashmir to eight hours in coming years
  
   

 Some progress but still a long way to go

• The UT has undergone positive changes in terms of infrastructure development during the last few years and the new projects will further drive overall socio-economic development.
• Till 2014, there were only seven National Highways in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir including Ladakh.
•  In 2021, the number of National Highways has increased to 11 in J&K alone.
• As per the government plans, the long-pending prestigious Srinagar Ring Road project would be completed by end of 2023.
• Besides, the work on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway would be completed in next two to three years, bringing in much respite for the people of the UT.
• However as the transport sector grows, the issue of environmental pollution also raises its ugly head.
• Therefore, introducing eco-friendly measures in the transport sector is the need of the hour in order to ensure sustainability in development.