Jammu, Jan 5: 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 the next 15 days, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced today.
The bypass, built at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore, includes four viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and three culverts. It is expected to alleviate persistent traffic bottlenecks caused by roadside markets and shops along the route.
Initially, two lanes will be open for traffic, with plans to transition to four lanes after the completion of junction development. Gadkari highlighted the project’s role in enhancing regional connectivity, improving national security logistics, and boosting tourism prospects in Jammu & Kashmir.
The infrastructure is seen as a major step in strengthening economic growth and elevating the region’s status as a premier tourist destination. Gadkari credited the project’s success to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
