Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced the completion of a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town, strategically located on the Ramban–Banihal section of National Highway 44 (NH-44). Built at a cost of ₹224.44 crore, the bypass is set to fully accommodate 4-lane traffic within 15 days.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gadkari stated, “We have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass to Banihal town. The bypass, featuring four viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and three culverts, addresses the persistent bottlenecks caused by roadside markets and shops.”
Initially, the bypass will open for 2-lane traffic, with full 4-lane operations commencing after junction development is completed within the next two weeks.
Gadkari emphasized the importance of this infrastructure, noting its potential to enhance regional connectivity and streamline traffic flow for tourists and defense vehicles heading to the Kashmir Valley. “This critical project will significantly reduce travel time and congestion, strengthening national security logistics and boosting tourism prospects in the region,” he added.
The bypass is a key step in addressing traffic challenges on the vital Ramban–Banihal corridor, which serves as a lifeline for the Jammu and Kashmir region.
