Jammu-Srinagar highway Project, Banihal Bypass: The newly constructed 2.35-kilometer Banihal bypass, part of the Jammu-Srinagar highway’s four-laning project, is set to be operational within 15 days. This major infrastructure development aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the region.
On January 5, India’s Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, shared the completion of the bypass on social media. He noted, “In Jammu & Kashmir, we have successfully finished a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town at a cost of Rs. 224.44 crore. Located strategically on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass includes four viaducts stretching 1,513 meters and three culverts, resolving the traffic bottleneck caused by local markets and roadside shops.”
The newly constructed bypass will streamline traffic flow, reducing travel time and easing congestion for tourists and defense vehicles heading to the Kashmir Valley. Beyond traffic benefits, the project is expected to enhance national security and tourism prospects in the region.
Why is the Banihal Bypass critical?
The bypass begins at Kharpora and concludes near the Navayuga Tunnel, avoiding the busy Banihal town. Its design, featuring four viaducts and three culverts, is crafted to reduce congestion on the previously existing route of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The new bypass is particularly important for security forces, enabling rapid movement, and will also reduce the travel time between Kharpora, Banihal, and the Navyuga Tunnel to just seven minutes.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Four-Laning Project
The four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar highway is a significant Rs. 16,000-crore project aimed at creating an all-weather route, reducing travel time between the two regions. The highway passes through the challenging terrain of Ramban and Banihal and includes 10 tunnels covering a total distance of 21.5 kilometers, along with viaducts and bridges to ensure seamless travel.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to boost economic activities, improve trade, enhance tourism, and provide better access to healthcare and education.
Another crucial project, the Srinagar Semi Ring Road, approved in 2021, aims to reduce traffic congestion across five districts in the Kashmir Valley—Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal. This Rs. 2,919-crore project spans 60 kilometers and includes nearly 300 culverts, along with two flyovers and over-road bridges to streamline traffic and minimize flood risks.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Project completion timeline
Initially set for completion by February 2024, the Jammu-Srinagar highway project has experienced delays and is now expected to be finished by June 2025. Once operational, it will significantly improve mobility and connectivity for the region’s residents. Meanwhile, the four-laning of the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri highway, approved in 2022, is also progressing. This project focuses on improving traffic flow and safety, with key segments such as the Narbal-Baramulla and Baramulla-Uri stretches being upgraded. It includes bypasses and flyovers to ease congestion in densely populated areas and is budgeted at Rs. 823.45 crore.
Economic and Social Impact
As these key infrastructure projects move forward, they are expected to transform Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic landscape by enhancing regional connectivity, boosting security, and fostering local economic growth. Improved transportation networks will not only make travel smoother but will also create new opportunities for trade and tourism, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
