Completion of 4-Lane Banihal Bypass: Nitin Gadkari Highlights J&K's Infrastructure Advancements
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Jammu, Jan 5 (NationPress) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari declared on Sunday that the 4-lane Banihal bypass has been finalized and will commence operations within 15 days. This new 4-lane road will redirect traffic away from Banihal town along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, significantly reducing travel time lost to congestion in the area. Constructed at a cost of ₹224.44 crore, the bypass includes four viaducts measuring 1,513 meters and three culverts, effectively addressing ongoing bottlenecks created by nearby roadside markets and shops.
In a post shared on X, Gadkari indicated that traffic will be allowed initially on two lanes, transitioning to four lanes once junction development is concluded.
“This vital infrastructure reinforces regional connectivity, enhances national security logistics, and boosts tourism opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir,” stated Gadkari.
He emphasized the project’s transformative effect under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aids economic growth and elevates the region’s status as a top tourist destination.
Thanks to the connectivity vision, the journey between Jammu and Srinagar has been shortened through the establishment of multiple tunnels and flyovers. Among these, the Nashri Tunnel and the Pir Panjal Tunnel stand out as the largest. These strategic tunnels circumvent the snow-prone Pir Panjal and Patnitop sectors of the highway, which often became impassable during heavy snowfall, making the Jammu-Srinagar highway a truly all-weather route.
The primary concern currently on this highway is the 52 km stretch from Ramsoo to Ramban. While tunnels at Panthyal and Khoni Nallah have alleviated some issues, even minor rainfall can trigger rockfalls, landslides, and mudslides in this segment of Ramban district. In addition to the distance reduction between Jammu and Srinagar through several multi-crore projects—some completed and others underway—the rail connectivity between Udhampur and Baramulla, facilitated by the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train by PM Narendra Modi on January 26, will revolutionize travel between Jammu and the Valley. The Vande Bharat train symbolizes the realization of a 70-year-old aspiration for Kashmiri horticulturists, agriculturists, traders, students, and the general populace.
