Tue Jun 24 00:17:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Indian government has approved 19 infrastructure projects for Jammu and Kashmir, totaling ₹10,637 crore. These projects, primarily focused on road and tunnel construction (296 km), aim to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and provide all-weather access to remote areas, particularly those near the Line of Control (LoC). Key projects include the Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel and the Sadhana tunnel, the approval of which was celebrated across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and even a party leader currently imprisoned, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways for their support.

**News Article:**

**Major Infrastructure Boost for Jammu & Kashmir: Center Approves ₹10,637 Crore Road and Tunnel Projects**

*Srinagar, June 24, 2025* – The Indian government has given the green light to a massive infrastructure package for Jammu and Kashmir, approving 19 road and tunnel projects with a total investment of ₹10,637 crore. The projects, spanning 296 km, are aimed at significantly improving connectivity, reducing travel times, and ensuring all-weather access to remote and strategically important regions, particularly those close to the Line of Control (LoC).

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari approved the projects on Monday. Key highlights include the ₹3,830-crore Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, designed to provide a reliable alternative route between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, and the ₹3,330-crore Sadhana tunnel, which will ensure year-round access to the Karnah district, near the LoC.

“These projects will improve logistical support and troop mobility and connect various tourist destinations. Construction of tunnels will reduce the travel time, ensure all-weather connectivity, and spur economic growth,” said J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Other notable projects include the Zaznar Shopian section (₹852-crore), a four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora (₹700-crore), the Trehgam-Chamkote section (₹966 crore), a four-lane Magam flyover on the Narbal-Gulmarg section (₹445 crore), the Qazigund Bypass (₹95 crore), and a two-lane bridge over Rambiara at Shopian (₹71 crore).

The approval of these projects has been met with widespread approval across the political landscape. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the initiative as a “major achievement” for his government, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Gadkari.

Even the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), despite its leader Engineer Rashid being imprisoned, acknowledged the importance of the Sadhana Tunnel, stating it will ensure critical all-weather connectivity to the border region of Tangdhar in Kupwara district. An AIP spokesman indicated that Rashid’s previous discussions with Gadkari on the project had been fruitful.

The projects are expected to have a significant positive impact on the economy and security of the region.

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