Sun Jan 05 16:37:29 UTC 2025: ## New Banihal Bypass Opens, Boosting J&K Connectivity and Tourism

**Srinagar, January 5, 2025** – A 2.35-kilometer, four-lane bypass around Banihal town in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district opened on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in improving regional connectivity and national security logistics, according to Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The ₹224.44 crore project, part of the ongoing upgrade of National Highway 44 (NH-44), addresses longstanding traffic bottlenecks caused by the town’s bustling markets. Initially, two-lane traffic will be allowed, with full four-lane access anticipated within 15 days following junction development.

Mr. Gadkari highlighted the bypass’s strategic importance, stating it will significantly reduce travel time and congestion for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to the Kashmir Valley. He emphasized its role in strengthening national security logistics and boosting the region’s tourism potential.

The NH-44, India’s longest highway, stretches from Srinagar to Kanniyakumari. The government is undertaking a major initiative to make this crucial artery an all-weather road, further enhancing connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. Recent upgrades, including tunnels, have already reduced travel time on the Jammu-Srinagar section from nine to six hours.

The Banihal section of NH-44, traversing challenging mountainous terrain, presented considerable construction hurdles. Multiple tunnels are nearing completion to ensure seamless traffic flow, especially along the accident-prone Marog-Khuni-Nallah stretch. The bypass effectively circumvents the congested Banihal town, improving access to key stopovers along the highway.

Further improvements are underway on the 32-km stretch between Ramban and Banihal, including a planned 14-km tunnel to bypass treacherous points. These enhancements promise to further reduce travel time between Srinagar and Jammu.

National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen inaugurated the bypass, praising its positive impact on residents, tourists, and the regional economy. He suggested naming the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Banihal Bypass Bridge after Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, acknowledging their contributions to the region’s development.

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