Infrastructure development in J&K got a big push after the abrogation of Article 370 and since then the government has announced a lot of development projects and policies in the J&K region. The sincerity of the Central government in development in J&K is reflected in the fact 34 per cent of the receipt for J&K Budget for FY 2022-23 estimated at Rs 68,206 crore would come from the Centre as grants.
Earlier, the underdeveloped strategic highways had added to the worries of the region’s agriculture and horticulture sectors as the movement of fruits takes an inordinately long time to be exported. But now that fear is giving way to hope as the government is pursuing construction of major highways with priority.
National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) is developing five tunnels in the UT at a cost of USD 3.42 million. The tunnels will have all weather access and will be completed by 2024. An elevated light metro rail system is expected to be rolled out in 2022-23 to reduce the traffic congestion in Srinagar and Jammu. The foundation stone has been laid out for the construction of 25 National Highway projects.
Acc to economic times, The execution of new roads, tunnels and other basic Infrastructure in J&K has gained momentum. It’s three years now since abrogation of Article 370 and the Union Territory has also seen overall development like speedy construction of highways, improvement of the healthcare and education sector with world-class infrastructure and more participation in sports activities by the local youth. There are 53 projects in various sectors such as roads, power, health, education, tourism, agriculture, skill development being implemented in Jammu & Kashmir.