Jammu,April 7 (Scoop News) –J&K Minister for Roads & Buildings, G M Saroori today while asserting the Coalition Government’s commitment to have a round the year road connectivity to Ladakh region, reiterated that the proposed Zojila tunnel would be a major initiative in this regard.
“BEACON has conducted the survey and the Union Surface Transport Ministry is committed to fund this ambitious project”, Saroori said while addressing a youth rally here this afternoon.
Prominent among those present in the rally were the senior Congress leader and MLA, Choudhry Mohammed Aslam, former Minister, Haji Nisar Ali, former MLA Ghulam Raza and the former Chief Executive Councilor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargi, Asgar Karbalie besides Councilor, Sonam Namgiyal.
The Minister said that he took up this important issue with the Union Minister for Surface Transport, Kamal Nath recently in New Delhi, who assured that all required steps would be taken earnestly for construction of the Zojila tunnel to ensure round the year connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region. This mega project assumes significance as the Ladakh region is emerging as a big tourism destination for the tourists from all over the country and abroad.
“Certainly, round the clock road connectivity will give a big economic boost to the Valley as well as the districts of Leh and Kargil, with number of tourists swelling with the added facility”, Saroori maintained.
The Minister reiterated the coalition Government’s resolve to ensure equitable development of all the three regions of the State and their sub regions. He particularly enumerated the steps taken for upgrading, improving and extending road connectivity in the Ladakh region, keeping in view its vastness and scattered habitations, and said that the road sector would get a special impetus in the entire region. He said road connectivity has witnessed a discernible transformation all over the State, as the Government’s endeavour is to lay special thrust on its to ensure speedy development of the State.
“Good roads are key to progress and prosperity”, Saroori declared.
Saroori urged the youth to play their crucial role in the development and progress of the State. On its part, he said the Government will endeavour for upgrading and strengthening the infrastructure and streamline the delivery mechanism. He also exhorted them to strengthen Congress and the coalition Government, which has embarked on a mission of transforming the socio-economic conditions of the State.
Haji Nissar, Ghulam Raza, Karbalie and Namgiyal also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the programmes and policies of the Congress, a coalition partner in the State. They sought upgradation of Kargil-Zanaskar and Uma road, completion of Brakoo-Ichu road, construction of bridges at Akshow, Khandi and Garkoon.