Srinagar, Jan 05: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a significant milestone in infrastructure development with the completion of a 4-lane, 2.35-km bypass to Banihal town on the Ramban–Banihal section along Jammu-Srinagar highway. The project has been completed at a cost of ₹224.44 crore, he said.
In a post on X, Gadkari said 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 persistent bottleneck caused by roadside markets and shops.”
“Initially, 2-lane traffic will be released and 4-lane traffic shall be released after junction development within 15 days”, he said.
The Minister further said that this critical infrastructure ensures unhindered traffic flow, significantly reducing travel time and congestion for both tourists and defense vehicles en route to the Kashmir Valley.
“Beyond improving regional connectivity, the bypass strengthens national security logistics and enhances tourism prospects in the region”, he said.
Gadkari said that Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this transformative project contributes to economic growth while elevating Jammu & Kashmir’s status as a premier tourist destination.
Meanwhile, MLA Banihal and Senior National Conference leader Sajjad Shaheen Sunday flagged off vehicular traffic on the single stretch of the Banihal Bypass. This stretch will bypass Banihal Town and reduce travel time from Kharpora, Banihal to the Navyuga Tunnel to just 7 minutes.
In a post on X, Sajjad Shaheen said that had the privilege to open the single stretch of the 2.35 Km’s Banihal Bypass flyover on Sunday. This landmark project, initiated by late PM Dr. Manmohan Singh during the NC -Cong government in J&K lead by CM Omar Abdullah and carried forward by the present regime, reflects our shared commitment to progress, he said.
“I sincerely appreciate NHIA, the project management team, engineers, and field staff for their dedication and timely completion of this vital project”, he said.
Shaheen, further, said they also strongly demand that the Banihal-Qazigund tunnel be named Dr. Manmohan Singh Tunnel and the Banihal by pass bridge be named Sher-e-Kashmir Flyover Bridge, to honour two visionary leaders who greatly contributed to the development of our the nation.
