Banihal Bypass improves connectivity and regional development

The bypass boosts traffic flow on NH-44, boosting logistics, tourism opportunities, and economic growth in Banihal and Kashmir Valley.

Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari lauded the completion of a segment of the Banihal Bypass in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district as a significant step towards bolstering “national security logistics” and improving the region’s tourism possibilities.

Gadkari announced the completion of a 2.35-km four-lane road to Banihal town, costing ₹224.44 crore. It is strategically positioned on NH-44 between Ramban and Banihal and successfully addresses the frequent congestion produced by roadside markets and shops, according to Gadkari. He states that two-lane traffic will be allowed initially, with four-lane traffic authorised after “junction development” within 15 days.

The Union Minister says that this important infrastructure provides uninterrupted traffic flow, considerably decreasing travel time and congestion for both tourists and military vehicles en route to the Kashmir Valley. “Beyond improving regional connectivity, the bypass strengthens national security logistics and enhances tourism prospects in the region,” the official adds.

The National Route 44 is a key route in India. The longest in the country, it runs from Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. The Centre has launched a huge mission in J&K to ensure that the NH-44 remains an all-weather route linking the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country. Travel time on the 290-kilometre-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, part of NH-44, is now lowered from nine hours to roughly six hours following significant upgrades such as tunnels.

However, the national highway that runs through the Ramban district’s rugged highlands created a significant problem due to sloping slopes and congested highways, particularly in the Banihal area. Multiple tunnels, notably the important Marog-Digdol and Digdol-Khuni-Nallah, are nearing completion to ensure highway traffic runs smoothly. Most accidents and road damage have occurred on the section between Marog and Khuni-Nallah points in Ramban, particularly during the winter.

The Banihal Bypass will now allow travellers to cross the district without using the crowded road via Banihal town. The district covers critical stopovers such as Nashri, Dalwas, Mehad, Café Morh, and Panthial. It has a viaduct that bypasses Banihal Bazar.

Upgrading the 32-kilometre stretch between Ramban and Banihal, which is now underway, would reduce travel time between Srinagar and Jammu, making the Kashmir Valley more accessible than in the past. According to officials, the steep segment between Ramban and Banihal will contain a 14-kilometre tunnel “to bypass the treacherous points on the road.”

Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, a National Conference (NC) MLA, launches the sole section of the bypass on Sunday. He describes the flyover as a milestone development for road users, including visitors and Banihal inhabitants, and predicts that it will greatly decongest the town, reduce travel times, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

“This project, initiated under the leadership of late Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the National Conference-led government headed by then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in 2010, and later carried forward by the present regime under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflects a shared commitment to progress and development,” Shaheen says.

The MLA recommended naming the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel the Dr. Manmohan Singh Tunnel to recognise the former Prime Minister’s innovative efforts in furthering infrastructure development. He also proposed renaming the Banihal Bypass Bridge and the Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge to honour Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s significant contributions to J&K’s history and growth.

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