Jammu: A once treacherous stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, long feared as “Khooni Nallah” due to frequent landslides, falling rocks and fatal accidents, is set for a major transformation with the near completion of the Digdol–Panthyal Twin Tube Tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir.
Part of the four-laning of NH-44 in the Ramban–Banihal section, the project aims to provide safer, faster and more reliable connectivity along one of the most critical road corridors linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
For decades, commuters travelling between Digdol, Ramban and Panthyal faced unpredictable delays, often getting stranded for hours or even days due to road blockages caused by heavy rains and landslides. With the new tunnels, that ordeal is expected to end.
Ratan, a resident of Digdol, said travel time has already reduced drastically in completed stretches. “Earlier, we used to wait for days during bad weather. Now, we can reach the Ramsoo–Magarkote side in just five minutes,” he said, expressing gratitude for the project.
The tunnel project, being executed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is a key infrastructure initiative designed to strengthen all-weather connectivity on the highway. Once fully operational, it will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, benefiting commuters, transporters, tourists and security agencies alike.
The improved corridor is also expected to enhance strategic mobility by enabling faster movement of Army and security personnel, particularly during emergencies.
Apart from reducing travel time, the project is set to improve daily life for local residents. Naresh, another resident of Digdol, highlighted how frequent accidents and traffic jams earlier made commuting difficult, especially for school-going children.
“Children used to return home tired after long journeys and had little time to study. Now, reaching Ramban takes about five minutes, and life has become much easier,” he said, adding that improved roads would also help reduce accidents in the future.
The project involves the construction of 4-lane twin tube tunnels with a total cost of ₹866.37 crore. The northbound tunnels measure 2.6 km and 0.619 km, while the southbound tunnel is 3.08 km long. The project has achieved over 87 per cent physical progress and is nearing completion.
Built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the tunnels are designed to tackle the complex geological conditions of the Himalayan terrain. The construction, which began in 2022, has progressed rapidly with a focus on safety and structural stability.
Once operational, the tunnels will divert traffic away from landslide-prone slopes, reducing exposure to hazards such as shooting stones and weather disruptions. This will ensure smoother and uninterrupted travel throughout the year.
The Digdol–Panthyal project is part of a broader effort to modernise the Ramban–Banihal stretch through tunnels and bridges, marking a significant step towards upgrading infrastructure in the region.
For thousands of daily commuters, what was once a dangerous and uncertain journey is now on track to become a safe, swift and dependable route.
