Locals happy as Gadkari announces Rs 827.98 crore for Pandach-Manigam 4-Lane Highway

Ganderbal, Dec 14: In a big infrastructure boost for Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, the Government of India has sanctioned Rs 827.98 crore for the construction and upgrading of Paandach-Manigam 4-lane highway.

The announcement was made by the Union Minister for Transport, Road and Highways ( MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari on Saturday.

He said that the 12.11-km project, which is part of the Srinagar Ring Road (Phase-IIA), aims to improve connectivity for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to Leh and Kargil. In a post on X, Gadkari said, “ In Jammu and Kashmir, we have sanctioned Rs 827.98 crore for constructing and upgrading a 4-lane highway from Pandach to Manigam near Wayil Bridge, spanning 12.11 km. This project includes one major bridge, three minor bridges, three realignments, and 51 box culverts, alongside a 2.55 km elevated structure passing through Ganderbal Town. Part of Srinagar Ring Road (Phase-IIA), this highway will significantly enhance connectivity for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to Leh and Kargil.”

He said the project streamlines access to vital regions, fostering regional security and boosting tourism while improving overall travel efficiency.

Notably, the widening and upgradation of the Paandach-Manigam road stretch was much needed and with its completion would provide a much needed relief for the people here.

Being considered as a priority road which is connecting vital areas and serving from Srinagar to Ganderbal, Mansbal, Kangan, Sonamarg and even Ladakh traffic, this stretch of road witness traffic congestion on daily basis causing huge inconvenience to the commuters. The local residents have welcomed the announcement about the upgradation of the Paandach-Manigam highway and urged the government to complete the project is a time bound manner.

“The allocation of 827.98 crore for constructing and upgrading a 4-lane highway from Pandanch to Manigam Ganderbal is highly laudable. This initiative is instrumental in enhancing the free flow of traffic and bolstering connectivity for tourists traveling to Sonamarg and Leh. Additionally, it will alleviate the daily traffic congestion woes faced by local residents of Ganderbal,” Qaisar Sultan, a local social-political activist said. He said that it is essential to ensure that the project is completed in a timely and efficient manner. The upgraded road will significantly reduce travel time and improve safety for commuters and the project is expected to bolster local economic development and provide better access to essential services. The local residents and traders have expressed optimism about the developments, anticipating a positive impact on trade and tourism.