Rs 224.44 Cr allocated for Shopian bypass construction: Gadkari

New Delhi, Mar 12:  An allocation of Rs 224.44 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of Shopian bypass on the National Highway-444, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said Tuesday.

In a recent announcement, Gadkari highlighted the pivotal infrastructure project, aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother transportation in the region.

The Shopian bypass project, spanning 8.925 km in Shopian district, is set to transform the existing highway into a 2-lane configuration with a paved shoulder.

This project would be executed using the EPC Mode.

Gadkari emphasised the strategic importance of the project, noting its role in linking Shopian district with Pulwama district on one side and Kulgam on the other within Jammu and Kashmir.

This linkage is poised to offer significant benefits to the apple growers of south Kashmir, particularly in Shopian district, renowned as the apple bowl of Kashmir.

"With improved connectivity provided by the Shopian bypass, swift transportation of produce to markets will be facilitated, thereby bolstering the agricultural economy of the region,” Gadkari saud.

Sharing a post on X, he wrote, “Jammu and Kashmir #PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti #BuildingTheNation@PMOIndia @manojsinha_ @DrJitendraSingh @RavinderRaina @BJP4JnK.”

He said, linking Shopian district with Pulwama on one side and Kulgam on the other within Jammu and Kashmir, the project holds strategic significance.

“It is poised to significantly benefit apple growers in south Kashmir, particularly in Shopian district, which is known as the “apple bowl of the Valley,” by facilitating swift transportation of produce to markets. The overall impact includes improved connectivity and heightened road safety measures.