SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that the newly constructed 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town on the Ramban–Banihal section of NH-44 will be fully operational for 4-lane traffic within 15 days.
Built at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore, the bypass features 4 viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and 3 culverts, addressing persistent bottlenecks caused by roadside markets and shops.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gadkari shared that traffic will initially be released on 2 lanes before transitioning to 4 lanes following the completion of junction development.
“This critical infrastructure enhances regional connectivity, strengthens national security logistics, and improves tourism prospects in Jammu & Kashmir,” Gadkari stated.
He highlighted the project’s transformative impact under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, contributing to economic growth and elevating the region’s status as a premier tourist destination.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti,” he wrote.