Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the government's flagship infrastructure initiatives, including the 14-kilometre Zojila Tunnel, the construction of 36 tunnels along the Jammu-Srinagar corridor, the Kedarnath Ropeway project, and improved road connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, are transforming India's transportation network and accelerating the country's overall development.
Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Conclave in New Delhi, Gadkari underscored the central government's commitment to infrastructure-led growth, describing modern transport networks as the backbone of India's economic progress and national integration.
The Union Minister said that major connectivity projects are reducing travel time, improving accessibility to remote regions, and creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, and employment. He noted that the ambitious infrastructure push is aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity across the country, from the northernmost region of Kashmir to the southern tip of Kanyakumari.
Highlighting some of the government's landmark projects, Gadkari referred to the 14-kilometre Zojila Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, significantly enhancing strategic mobility and boosting economic activity in the region. He also pointed to the construction of 36 tunnels on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway corridor, designed to improve road safety, reduce travel time, and ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year.
The minister also highlighted the Kedarnath Ropeway project, saying it will make one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations more accessible while promoting religious tourism and supporting the local economy.
Emphasising the broader vision behind the government's infrastructure drive, Gadkari said governance should be firmly rooted in nation-building and long-term development. He stressed that politics should not merely be about electoral success but must serve as an instrument for socio-economic transformation and improving the quality of life for citizens.
According to the minister, investments in roads, highways, tunnels, bridges, and ropeways are creating a strong foundation for sustained economic growth by enhancing logistics efficiency, attracting investment, and generating employment across sectors.
Gadkari reiterated that world-class infrastructure remains a key pillar of India's journey towards becoming a developed nation, adding that the government's focus on connectivity is helping bridge regional disparities and bringing remote areas into the mainstream of economic development.
The minister's remarks come as the government continues to prioritise large-scale infrastructure projects under its vision of building a Viksit Bharat, with transport connectivity playing a crucial role in strengthening national integration, boosting economic competitiveness, and improving ease of travel for millions of citizens.
Leave Your Comment