Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a major infrastructure milestone with the completion of the Banihal bypass on the Ramban-Banihal stretch of NH-44.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore, this 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass aims to streamline traffic movement and bolster connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted the project's significance in a social media post.
He said the bypass incorporates four viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and three culverts. These features aim to address traffic bottlenecks caused by roadside activities in Banihal town.
Initially open to 2-lane traffic, the bypass will become fully operational for 4-lane traffic within 15 days, following the completion of junction development.
The infrastructure is expected to reduce travel time and ease congestion, benefiting tourists and defence vehicles travelling to the Kashmir Valley.
It also promises to boost tourism and strengthen logistics, contributing to regional development and national security.
The project is part of broader efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to improve connectivity and foster economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, further solidifying its potential as a premier tourist destination.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring seamless mobility in critical areas of the region.
The project will contribute to safer and faster travel between Kashmir and Jammu, especially in winter when the highway faces closure due to snow, landslides, and shooting stones.
