Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday announced the completion of two major infrastructure projects on National Highway 44 in Jammu and Kashmir, designed to enhance connectivity, improve road safety, and ensure uninterrupted travel to the Kashmir Valley. The projects, constructed at a total cost of Rs 680 crore, include an 810-metre-long viaduct on the northbound carriageway near Ramsoo in Ramban district and a 3.5-kilometre AT-03 tunnel on the southbound carriageway connecting Digdole to Panthyal.
Strategic bypass of landslide-prone zone
These engineering works bypass one of the most vulnerable stretches of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, specifically the Ramban–Banihal section, which is frequently affected by landslides and roadblocks. According to the minister, the new infrastructure will provide safer, faster, and all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, significantly reducing travel time and enabling seamless movement of tourists, local commuters, defence vehicles, freight, and essential supplies throughout the year.
Opening ahead of Amarnath Yatra
The viaduct and tunnel are scheduled to be opened to traffic on July 3, 2026, ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. This timing is intended to facilitate safer and more reliable travel for pilgrims. Gadkari stated, “These projects will provide safer and more reliable travel for pilgrims while strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, trade and economic growth, and enhancing the resilience of Jammu & Kashmir’s National Highway network.”
Lieutenant Governor hails monumental feats
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha termed the projects as ‘monumental feats’, adding, “These key infrastructures secure smooth and all-weather movement for locals, tourists, freight and security forces, while ensuring a safer and seamless journey for the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, bypassing landslide-prone stretches.”
Impact on regional connectivity and economy
The NH-44 upgrades are expected to boost tourism and trade in the Kashmir Valley by providing reliable access even during adverse weather conditions. The bypass of the vulnerable Ramban-Banihal section will reduce the risk of prolonged highway closures that have historically disrupted supply chains and travel. The projects also enhance defence logistics by ensuring uninterrupted movement of military convoys to the northern borders.
