The government on Wednesday approved two separate cost estimates worth a combined total of Rs.4,305 crore for road projects which will increase connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the rest of the country.The decision on the two new revised cost estimates was taken by the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) that met here.The CCEA approved the revised cost estimate of Rs.2,168.66 crore needed for four-laning of the Ramban-Banihal section of National Highway 44 (NH-44).The "National Highways Development Project" (NHDP) phase-II sub-project under the engineering procurement construction (EPC) mode has an approximate length of 32 kms.
"This decision will expedite the implementation of six sub-projects in J&K under NHDP phase-II. Implementation of these projects would provide all-weather connectivity from Jammu to Kashmir valley," the CCEA said in a statement."It will also reduce the journey time from Jammu to Srinagar and strategic border areas in the state."Furthermore, the CCEA approved a revised cost estimate of Rs.2,136.97 crore needed for four-laning of Udhampur-Ramban section of NH-44.The other NHDP phase-II sub-project under the EPC mode has an approximate length of 40 kms.