The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has completed a critical infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir, unveiling a four-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town for Rs 224.44 crore. This section, situated on the Ramban-Banihal stretch of NH-44, was infamous for chronic traffic snarl-ups caused by roadside markets and shops. The bypass is expected to provide significant relief to commuters, enhance regional connectivity, and bolster national security logistics.
Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the completion of the project in a social media post. He highlighted that the bypass features four viaducts spanning 1,513 metres and three culverts. “This critical infrastructure ensures unhindered traffic flow, significantly reducing travel time and congestion for both tourists and defence vehicles en route to the Kashmir Valley. Beyond improving connectivity, it strengthens national security logistics and enhances tourism prospects in the region,” Gadkari stated. Initially, two-lane traffic will be operational, with the full four-lane traffic set to commence in about 15 days following junction development near the Banihal railway station.
The bypass, which extends from Kharpora to the Navayuga Tunnel, is designed to bypass the congested Banihal town entirely. It is expected to cut travel time between Kharpora and the Navayuga Tunnel to just seven minutes. The project, which began in January 2021, faced a year-long delay due to unforeseen circumstances but was finally completed in January 2025. This bypass is part of a broader Rs 16,000-crore initiative to four-lane the Jammu-Srinagar highway, an all-weather road designed to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar and enhance accessibility across the challenging terrain of Ramban and Banihal. This includes 10 tunnels covering 21.5 kilometres and numerous viaducts and bridges.
Project Director for the Ramban Sector, PK Phonsa told reporters that the bypass’s completion marks a significant milestone in alleviating traffic congestion in Banihal town. He also pointed out that the Ramban bypass, another crucial section of the highway, has already been completed.
This development is crucial not just for reducing travel times but also for ensuring the swift movement of security forces and defence equipment, a strategic necessity for the region. Besides, it is expected to stimulate economic growth by facilitating the transport of goods and improving access to healthcare and education. The project also offers substantial benefits to the region’s tourism industry, elevating Kashmir’s standing as a premier tourist destination.
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