An allocation of Rs 224.44 crore has been approved for the construction of the Shopian bypass on National Highway-444, announced Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday.

Gadkari highlighted the importance of this infrastructure project, aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating smoother transportation in the region.

The Shopian bypass project, covering 8.925 km in Shopian district, will convert the existing highway into a 2-lane configuration with a paved shoulder. This project will be executed using the EPC Mode.

Emphasizing its strategic significance, Gadkari noted that the project will link Shopian district with Pulwama district on one side and Kulgam on the other within Jammu and Kashmir.

This linkage is expected to bring substantial 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 said.

He shared his thoughts on the project through a post on social media, highlighting its importance for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation as a whole.