New Delhi: The newly built 2.35-kilometer Banihal bypass, a crucial part of the Jammu-Srinagar highway’s four-laning plan, is expected to become operational within the next 15 days. The purpose behind this vital infrastructure development is to ease traffic congestion and boost regional connectivity.
It was on January 5 that India’s Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari mentioned on social media that the construction of the bypass was complete. He underlined, “In Jammu and Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town at a cost of Rs. 224.44 crore. Strategically located on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass features four viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and three culverts, effectively addressing the persistent bottleneck caused by roadside markets and shops.”
In Jammu & Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town at an cost of ₹224.44 crore. Strategically located on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass features 4 viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and 3 culverts, effectively addressing the… pic.twitter.com/QdWZWeerws
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 5, 2025
The newly built bypass will improve traffic flow, cutting travel time and easing congestion for both tourists and defense vehicles going to the Kashmir Valley. Additionally, it is hoped that the project will bolster national security and enhance tourism in the region.
Why Banihal Bypass assumes significance?
The bypass starts at Kharpora and finishes near the Navayuga Tunnel, thereby avoiding the buzzing Banihal town, the new route is designed with four viaducts and three culverts to alleviate congestion on the previous stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The new bypass is essentially vital for security forces, facilitating rapid movement, and will also cut the travel time between Kharpora, Banihal, and the Navyuga Tunnel to just seven minutes.
What does the Jammu-Srinagar Highway Four-Laning project envisage?
The four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar highway is a huge Rs 16,000-crore plan aimed to construct an all-weather route, essentially cutting travel time between the two regions. The highway traverses the difficult terrains of Ramban and Banihal, covering 10 tunnels that span a total of 21.5 kilometers. Besides, the project includes viaducts and bridges to help smooth travel. It is hoped that this will enhance economic activities, boost trade, improve tourism, and give better access to healthcare and education.
The Srinagar Semi Ring Road, another vital project which was given a nod in 2021, is designed to ease traffic congestion across five districts in the Kashmir Valley—Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal. Having a budget of Rs 2,919 crore, the 60-kilometer road will have as many as 300 culverts, two flyovers, and over-road bridges to improve traffic flow and cut the risk of floods.
Timeline of Jammu-Srinagar Highway Project completion
Earlier, the project was scheduled to be completed by February 2024. However, the Jammu-Srinagar highway project faced impediments and is now expected to be finished by June 2025. Once it becomes operational, the project will hugely enhance mobility and connectivity for the residents of the region.
In the meantime, the four-laning of the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri highway, which was approved in 2022, is also making steady progress. The purpose of this project is to improve traffic flow and safety, with major upgrades planned for key segments like the Narbal-Baramulla and Baramulla-Uri stretches. It includes bypasses and flyovers to check congestion in areas which are densely populated, with a budget of Rs 823.45 crore.
These crucial infrastructure projects are set to change Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic landscape by improving regional connectivity, enhancing security, and promoting local economic growth. Trade and tourism will see a major boost, and both residents and visitors will benefit from these projects.
